PR 

4708 




I 



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AN AUTHOR IN SEARCH OF A 



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AT 



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THE AUTHOR'S HOPE, No. 4, BURLINGTON 

WHERE MAY BE SEEN 

ADDISON'S SECRETARY & LIBRARY <"" 

WITH OTHER CURIOSITIES : 

And where the Author will be happy to have the honour of reading a 
Second Editions of the following Works, to the Nobility, Ladies and C 

with a call. 



Critics forbear I — give liberal feelings sc 
I am not mov'd by Vanity — but Hope. 

THE SECOND EDITIONS OF 

THE PATH TO NAVAL FAM 
GLEANINGS FROM NATURE A 

AND 

SYMPATHY IN SEARCH OF Ul 

WITH 

THE AUTHORs APOLOGY, 

To be had separately, or delivered to Subscribe 

%* Parties and Families attended in the Evening, when the Favour o\ 

gratefully received. 



ii.Xli\J A . VJi. 



boat service, and placed on the Half-Pay List in 1808, offers the tribu 
royal, noble, and distinguished Patronage, with which the Second Ec 
been honoured ; and earnestly solicits the support of the Public, t 
" Gleanings," and to direct his future efforts to subjects of public il 

The First Editions were favourably received and sold off; but owii 
Bookseller the returns were lost to the Author, who, after twenty yea 




/ y 



^■"** 



AN AUTHOR IN SEARCH OF A LIVELIHOOD, 

AT 

THE AUTHOR'S HOPE, No. 4, BURLINGTON ARCADE ; 

WHERE MAY BE SEEN 
ABDISON's SECRETARY to LIBRARY CHAIR, 

WITH OTHER CURIOSITIES : 

And where the Author will be happy to have the honour of reading and reciting Selections from the 

Second Editions of the following Works, to the Nobility, Ladies and Gentlemen, who may honour him 

with a call. 



Critics forbear ! — give liberal feelings scope ; 
I am not mov'd by Vanity — but Hope. 

THE SECOND EDITIONS OF 

THE PATH TO NAVAL FAME, 10s. ; 
GLEANINGS FROM NATURE AND LIFE, 6s.; 

AND 

SYMPATHY IN SEARCH OF UTILITY, 5s.; 
THE AUTHORs APOLOGY, Is. 6d. 

To be had separately, or delivered to Subscribers at £1. 

Parties and Families attended in the Evening, when the Favour of Subscriptions or Orders will be 
gratefully received. 



boat service, and placed on the Half-Pay List in 1808, offers the tribitJ? of his grateful thanks for the 
royal, noble, and distinguished Patronage, with which the Second Tuitions of his Works have already 



m 



been honoured ; and earnestly solicits the support of the Public. 
" Gleanings," and to direct his future efforts to subjects of public 



to enable him to re-publish his 
interest and utility. 



The First Editions were favourably received and sold off; but ov fa^ to the failure and death of his 
Bookseller the returns were lost to the Author, who, after twenty ye^sperseverance, and having paid 
upwards of Three Hundred Pounds to Printers and Booksellers— without receiving One Shilling from 
this source in return, has taken the publication of his Works into his own hands ; hoping to establish 
himself in business as a Publisher and Bookseller, for the support of a numerous Family, dependent on 
his personal exertions beyond his Half-Pay. 



1 Reader !— perchance you think this case is hard : 
Behold ! in life, what trials 'wait a bard. 
Yet if, by knowledge of his chosen theme, 
Or useful labours, he should seek esteem, 



" A just discernment he will find prevail, 
And due encouragement, in time, will hail : 
For in a land of liberty and choice, 
The best of censors is— The Public Voice." 

Vide « Path to Naval Fame.' 



NOW READV FOR DELltfcRV, THE SECOND EDITION OP 

THE PATH TO NAVAL FAME, 

AN EPTC POEM, 
Delineating the Naval Life in the days of Nelson and Trafalgar ; with Engravings, and copious Index 
of Nautical Terms and Phrases, price 10s. 
" This Work is strictly moral, and Lieut. Gascoigne has united love and loyalty with nautical descriptions, inculcating 
i firm attachment to our country, and to a profession which is its brightest ornament and support."— Literary Chronicle. 

Landsmen and female readers will find useful information ; and parents and friends will find this Work an 
appropriate present to youths, whether intended for the public service or private life. 

• With deafning peals the dreadful storm comes on— 
Their ship disabled, and the rudder gone ; 
Approaching night in awful fury scowl* : 



" The breast which glows not for its country's fame, 
Is lost to virtue and the sense of shame." 

l * Forward they press, nor count the numbers slain, 
Or hear the cries of those who writhe in pain : 
Firmly resolv'd to conquer or to die." 

" Pardon, oh God ! thou righteous judge of all, 
If thus, in death, we meet our country's call, 
Tho' ill prepar'd : 'twas thou didst plant these laws 
And to thy mercy we submit our cause." 



Hark ! how aloft the bursting tempest howls." 
He who would live from mental evils free, 
Must never tempt the troubles of the sea ; 
But he who would to Naval Honours rise, 
Must brave the whole, and nobly earn the prize." 



Now ready for the Press, to be published and delivered as soon as Subscriptions and Orders are received to cover Expences, 
THE SECOND EDITION OF 

GLEANINGS FROM NATURE AND LIFE, 

By SIMON SYMPATHY: 

In which are introduced numerous Pieces, in various styles of Poetry, and interesting Stories, founded 
on real incidents in Life ; with Engravings, price 6s. 

The Author hopes his Fair Friends will find this Work entertaining ; being written under the conviction, 
that female affection forms the sheet-anchor of man's happiness in life. 

•■ Now in good truth !— what wouldst thou have me do ? } " Temptation to the vices of mankind, 

— Turn rebel unto nature, and pervert Turn slave to Satan, traitor to my King, 

Her gifts and favours from their proper use, And ingrate to the God that blesseth me. 

To rob my neighbour of his character ; —I will not take one step upon that road I" 

Then, thou wouldst have me stoop, and basely write Simon Sympathy's reply to Temptation. 

" He had turned, and offered his arm to lead his fair charge from the mournful scene, when, in the voice of 
tenderness and lingering affection, he was reminded— that he had forgotten to replace the lid of the coffin. 

" « Alas ! Alas 1' exclaimed Simon Sympathy, in the full burst of his nature, as he replaced the lid on the 
coffin of the late gay youth,—' how insignificant are all the riches of this world, when compared to the pure affection of 
the female heart; and what an invaluable treasure did this poor mort.-.l thm way. 



-. .HUN OF 

SYMPATHY IN SEARCH OF UTILITY, 

A Novel, of a novel kind — a ' ['aleof the Times, from the Palace to the Poorhouse ; with useful Hints 
on various Subjects, and Suj rgesions for promoting — the Employment of the Poor — the Internal 
Improvement of the Country- .the Improvement of Estates— and the gradual Relief of the Poor from 
the Evils the Public from tlVe lurden, and the Nation from the Dangers, of our present Pauper 
Severn; with a Frontispiece, price 5s. 
This Work will contain the substance of the following Publications by the Author :— Employment the Antidote 
, Distress— Hints on .Mendicity— The Old Views of Society Revived— An Essay on the Employment of the Poor, and 
the Improvement of Estates, to which a Medal was awarded by the Honourable Board of Agriculture— Pauperism, its 
Evils, Burdens, and Dangers Reduced; by calling into action the labours and better feelings of the Poor, and by the 
useful Direction of Charity, &c. &c. &c. 

" Train'd to the Plough, he serv'd his Country's cause, 
And now supports her welfare and her laws." 



IVELIHOOD, 



>T ARCADE 



jhair, 



nd reciting Selections from the 
rentlemen, who may honour him 



ope 



E, 10s.; 

ND LIFE, 6s.; 

ILITY, 5s.; 

Is. 6d. 

?rs at £1. 

: Subscriptions or Orders will be 



copious Index 



itions, inculcating 
Chronicle. 

[ this Work an 



i comes on— 
e; 

lowls." 
ee, 



he prize. 



wer Expences, 



Jries, founded 



le conviction, 



emptation. 

in the voice of 
in. 

the lid on the 



te of his grateful thanks for the 
litions of his Works have already 
o enable him to re-publish his 
iterest and utility. 

ig to the failure and death of his 
rs perseverance, and having paid 



Ajasn jo 

j aapuan » 

puosiad siq 

iq ui jpsuiiq 

ooanos sjm 

jo sp.n?Avdn 



Her Gracel 
His Grace 
His Grace 
The Right 
The Right 
The Right 
The Right 
The Right 

The Right 
ofth 
The Right 
The Right, 
A Right H 
The Right 
the I 
Lady Chan 
The Hon. 
The Hon. I 
The Hon. J 
The late H 

Sir Henry 
Sir George 1 
General Sil 
General Sii 
Sir F. Omi 

D. S. Dug< 
Francis La 

E. J. Little 
W. P. Hon 
T. R. Kem 
John Tome 
William W 
John Rams 
Abraham B 
Vice Admi 



PATRONS AND SUBSCRIBERS 



HMO late Uopal jQtg&now tfie JBufec of 

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AUGUS TA. 

The United Seb.\ ice Clue. 

The Societt op i hts 



The Royal Naval College. 
The Royal Naval Club. 

Her Grace the Duchess of Buccleugh 

His Grace the Duke of Grafton 

His Grace the Duke of Portland 

The Right Hon. Earl Spencer 

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The Right Hon. the Earl of Hardwicke 

The Right Hon. the Earl of Warwick 

The Right Hon. the Countess of Warwick 

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of the Admiralty 
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A Right Hon. Friend, by Lady Calthorpe 
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the Navy 
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Colonel Sir Richard Williams, C.R.M.A. 
Colonel Minto, R.M. 



Colonel S. Steward 
Colonel Dunsroere, |B,M. 
Colonel Harry Thoi npson 
Colonel Burslem, 67th Regiment 
Captain Sir J. Gordjon, R.N. 
Captain Boyce, H.N. 
Captain J. Worth, R.N. 
Captain Lysught, R.N. 
Captain Irwin, R.NJ 
, Lieutenant Holman, R.N. 
The Rev. the Provost of Eton 
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The Rev. Dr. William Sleath, H.M. Repton 
The Rev. Dr. John Sleath, H.M. St. Paul's 
The Rev. Dr. Wads 
The Rev. Dr. Lewis 
The Rev. Mr. Hoare 
The Rev. William Birch 
The Rev. T. Gosset 
The Rev. G. Innis 
Bielby Thompson, Esq. 
Mr. Alderman Heygate 
John Weyland, Esq. 
Chandos Leigh, Esq. 
Mrs. Leigh 

Charles Hanbury Tracey, Esq. 
Mrs. Hanbury Tracey 
William Little, Esq. 
T. W. Knightley, Esq. 
William Staunton, Esq. 
H. G. Lewis, Esq. 
Richard Spooner, Esq. 
F. Dwarris, Esq. 
William Butlin, Esq. 
W. F. Wratislaw, Esq. 
William Wise, Esq. ! 
George Wall, Esq. •' 

,p . r „ 

Edward Burman, ElJ.}. 
William Legh, Esq.l 
Mrs. Legh 
Dr. Fergusson 
Captain Hammond 
Henry Hammond, Esq. 
Thomas Hammond, Esq. 
Mrs. and Miss Pine 
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William Collins, Esq 
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A Friend to Authors 
&c. &c. &c. 



The full List of Subscribers will shortly be published, with thcSecond Edition of " Glanitigs from Nature and Lif,: 



- 



#£J£Z 







is 



^k 



I 



GASCOIGNE 



•8 ^ g £/? 



PATH TO NAVAL FAME 

THE SECOND EDITION, 

WITH AN INDEX OF 

NAUTICAL TERMS & PHRASES, 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO 

THE OFFICERS 

OF 

His Majesty's Royal Navy, JWarines, 
and Land Forces. 



s 






HENRY BARNET GASCOIGNE, 

Lieut. Royal Marines; invalided on Active Service, and placed on 
the Retired Half-pay List, in 1808. 



" He who would live from mental evils free, 
" Must never tempt the troubles of the sea ; 
" But he who would to naval honours rise, 
" Must brave the whole and nobly earn the prize." 



The Author's Poetic Petition to his Majesty, 
Price 10s. 



WARWICK : 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY E. FODEN. 

18-25, 







A 



r \ 







% 



f ^ Y'3 



G* 



\S^* 



fa, d° 






«. 



" Pure love, the temper'd yearning of the soul, 
" Runs through each vein and captivates the whole ; 
* No selfish views or worldly ties it knows, 
" With time increases, and for ever flows; 
" Borne in the heart, is prudent, steady, just, 
" Yet warm and lively faithful to the trust. 
" Such are the feelings which true love denote, 
" And thus Evander to his Emma wrote ! " 



!!■ !■ ■ 



GASCOIGNE'S 

PATH TO NAVAL FAME, 

PATRONIZED BY 

HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF GRAFTON. 
THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCER. 
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF HARCOURT. 
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF WARWICK. 
THE RIGHT HON. THE COUNTESS OF WARWICK. 
THE RIGHT HON. ADMIRAL LORD GAMBIER, 
&c. &c. &c. 



Lieutenant Gascoigne returns his sincere 
thanks to the Nobility, Ladies, and Gentlemen, who 
have honored him with their Patronage, and respect- 
fully informs them, that the List of Subscribers to the 
Second Editions of his Writings, at One Pound, will 
be given with the following Work, now in the press. 

GLEANINGS FROM LIFE, 

BY SIMON SYMPATHY, 

With a Frontispiece and Descriptive Engravings. 
Price, 10s. 



" At that moment Simon Sympathy awoke from 
the Vision ; and immediately formed the following 

resolutions That he would be an Author — that he 

would not be an Imitator-— that when indulging the 
powers of imagination, he would always endeavour to 
follow the advice of Reason — in submitting his thoughts 
to paper, he would follow the dictates of Nature — and 
that he would never give any thing to public view, 
until approved by Conscience." 



Te be had of the Author, with his other Works, at 
Emma's Cottage, Warwick. 



TO 

THE OFFICERS 

Of his Majesty's Royal Navy, 3Iarines. 
and Land Forces. 



My Lords and Gentlemen, 

When I reflect on the many happy days 
passed in the honor of your society early in life, and 
recollect how much I stood indebted to your patronage 
for the sale of my first publications; I feel it my 
duty most respectfully to present to you the Second 
Edition of my " Path to Naval Fame." 

In preparing this Work for the press, I have 
added many nautical descriptions omitted in the first 
edition; and introduced such characters, scenes, and 
sentiments, as appeared calculated to give useful 
information to Landsmen; to keep alive the spirit 
and practical skill of the junior ranks of the Navy 
and Army, in these times of peace and retirement; 
and to point out to the rising generation, a firm and 
manly path to Naval Honors. 

I have the honor to remain, 
My Lords and Gentlemen, 
Your devoted Servant, 

Henry Bar net Gascgignr. 



J» 



" Forward they press, nor count the numbers slain, 
" Nor hear the cries of those who writhe in pain ; 
" Intent alone to conquer or to die, 
" Sell life for life, or make opposers fly ; 
" Springing* on board, they ward the fierce struck blows, 
" Divide the nets, and in the contest close ; 
u Courage and strength the contest here must end, 
" Britannia's Sons and Frenchmen now contend." 



PREFACE. 



M That Authors have troubles, the world has long shewn, 
" But the greatest of all is — to make their Works known ; 
M For many long years, on the Bookseller's shelf, 
i{ Mine were lost — by your leave, I now sell them myself.' * 

Vide — The Author" s Apology. 



AS the novelty of an Author coming 
forward to publish, recite, and sell his 
own productions, may, at first view, ap- 
pear vain and presumptuous, Lieutenant 
Gascoigne respectfully states— 

That more than twenty years have 
passed over his head since lie commenced 
Author; and that he has arrived at the 
period of life when vanity usually gives way 
to the more solid feelings of utility : having 
to provide for the claims of a rising family, 
dependent upon his exertions beyond his 
half-pay, 

The first editions of his " Gleanings," 
and his " Fame," published in 1806 and 8, 



Vlll 

were favourably received and sold off; but 

owing* to the failure and death of the 
Bookseller, the returns were lost to the 
Author, with a considerable sum paid in 
advance for printing and publishing. 

" At length he saw his " Gleanings," and his " Fame/' 
" Before the world to purchase him a name ; 
" Good hundreds paid for publishing — what then ? 
" He never saw one single pound again." 

During the last ten years he has pub- 
lished fifteen minor works and pamphlets, 
several of which were gratuitously distri- 
buted ; to promote the employment of the 
poor, the formation of the Society for the 
Suppression of Mendicity, established in 
Red Lion Square, in 1818, Jand other 
public Institutions; returns resting upon 
a Premium from the Board of Agriculture, 
for an Essay on the Employment of the 
Poor ; the thanks of various Societies ; and 
the satisfaction that his labours have not 
been quite useless. 

Fully admitting the value of the assist- 
ance of the Booksellers,— to those who can 
obtain it,— and well aware of their power to 



IX 

make or mar an Author's fame, he is far 
from wishing to fan the flame of severe 
criticism and opposition which will proba- 
bly arise to his present undertaking; and 
would willingly come to any fair arrange- 
ment, except the sale of Copyright ; which 
he objects to from a conviction, — that it 
would cut off hope, and destroy all stimulus 
to improvement. 

He therefore trusts that the statement. 
of the following facts will not be made a 
block of offence, being offered purely in 
justification of his personal efforts to make 
his Works known. 

— After twenty years labour as an Author, 
and having paid upwards of Three Hundred 
Pounds to Printers and Publishers; he has 
yet to receive the first Pound from this 
source in return; and his Works are still 
unknown. 

Having prepared the second editions 
for the press, all his efforts, in the Row 
and out of the Row, have failed in getting 
any one to publish them on the Author's 
account. 



" But when they found the Author would not sell, 
" Down from their hands the useless copies fell : 
" On which they look'd as worthless blocks of wood, 
" And none would sell them for the Author's good.'* 

Vide — The Author's Apology. 

Under these circumstances lie has un- 
dertaken to publish, recite, and sell his own 
productions; and most respectfully solicits 
patronage and support, to rescue his past 
labours from oblivion, and to enable him to 
direct his future attention to subjects of 
public interest; trusting that success will 
not be impeded by the novelty of his 
undertaking, or the humour employed by 
Simon Sympathy to introduce utility under 
the cover of novelty and amusement. 

" Oh ! there are yet good Spirits in our land, 
" Who, from the eminence which God hath lent, 
<( Can pierce the mists and veilings of the world, 
i( Judge without prejudice, and well discern, 
" The lack of means from poverty of mind : 
— " On these I cast the anchor of my hope ! ! !" 

Vide — Gleanings from Life. 



N. B. A hope is entertained that Parents and 
Friends will find this Work an appropriate present 
to Youths, whether designed for the Public Service, 
or the more peaceable walks of Life. 



NAVAL FAME. 



EXORDIUM. 



Hail Neptune's Sons ! ye guardians of our laws, 
Ye bold assertors of your Country's cause ! 
Whose Naval Fame has spread from pole to pole 
And oft elated my admiring soul. 

And you ! ye Soldiers of the British band, 
Who serve your Country both by sea and land! 
To you conjoin'd the willing* muse would pay 
The heart felt tribute of her humble lay : 
But well she knows her want of pow'r to give 
Just praise to deeds which must for ever live. 

While British bosoms feel the love of fame, 
Or glow, exalted by that noble flame 
Which bids fair Freedom flourish in our land, 
And Freedom's Sons extensive seas command, 
Your bright examples still the breast shall fire 
Aad bid the offspring imitate the sire! 



NAVAL FAME. 



EXORDIUM. 



Comrades of old!— -how chang'd are days of yore, 
No more employ'd, and stranded on the shore, 
How fare ye now? — reduc'd upon Half-pay, 
Without a Caterer or Purser, say ! 
How drags the day ? or whence at night comes sleep, 
Without employment or a watch to keep? 
How the high mind, which triumphed o'er the storm. 
And brav'd grim death in each terrific form, 
Supports its noble energies and zeal, 
Now hope and duty can no more appeal? 
Oh! tell me where? in what sequester'd vales 
Ye drift to leeward under close reeft sails ?*& 

While Peace her blessings o'er the nation spreads, 
And love no more the fate of warfare dreads; 
I would there were a Squadron at command, 
To give you births, and bear you from the land; 



* This line has a peculiar meaning, well understood by seamen, 
hat requiring 1 explanation to landsmen. 

When a ship sails -with a fair wind, she proceeds in a direct 
€Ourse ; but this is not the case when the wind is contrary, or upon 
the side 5 the ship being then gradually driven from the side on 
•which the wind blows, out of her direct course ; this is termed 
drifting to leeward. This drifting, or losing of ground, is consi- 
derably increased in a storm, when the sails are obliged to be reeft, 
or reduced. Thus this line forms a simile, aptly alluding to the 
present state of our Naval Officers, reduced to Half-pay, and out of 
their element on shore; without the power of pursuing a direct 
course in the line of duty and experience 



NAVAL FAME. 



EXORDIUM. 



By turns, from sloth and indolence remov'd, 
And all advantage of experience prov'd : 
Each evolution duly to perform, 
And brave the fury of the Channel storm. 

Should prudence say — " we have not men to spare 
From public service and the merchant's care 
Or means provided to fit out and pay," 
The muse most humbly beggeth leave to say,— 

Ask volunteers from Officers on shore, 
To cruise by turns upon full-pay — yet more 
Of able Youths, who for employment's sake, 
Or Rated Time, will various duties take, 
Whose hearts now grieve in idleness to lay; 
A post of honour, with a seaman's pay. 

Few able seamen, will this service take, 
And no one need a present birth forsake; 
The unemploy'd and pension'd may be found 
To volunteer, upon the wish'd for ground 
Of food and clothing, with an easy birth, 
And pay according to their present worth. 

Thus form the leaders of each peaceful crew, 
To teach young landsmen what they ought to do; 
Enough of these there are who want employ, 
And fain their fortunes on the main would try; 
But if a lack of hands you still should see, 
Ask the Committees of Mendicity; 



NAVAL FAME. 



EXORDIUM. 



Who from their stores in either Isle can give, 

And bid the hope of self-dependence live. 

If still you lack, each Parish House attend, 

A pauper'd poor and payers to befriend; 

The first will gladly your employ obtain, 

The latter pay you from the hope of gain : 

That these you'll rescue from the Monster's jaws & 

And rates diminish'd to the payers cause. 

Oh ! think, I pray I ye Rulers of the State t 
How deep a joy must on your labours wait; 
To give employment to the Irish poor, 
Their well known zeal and courage to secure f 
To rescue paupers from the fatal sway 
Of base dependence on the parish pay* 
Beggars to take from charity's abuse, 
And raise up sailors for their country's use. 
To train our youths who for preferment burn, 
In duty's paths experience to learn; 
Keeping your Officers in practice still, 
With pow'r to add unto their former skill ; 



* Vide "Pauperism" Its Evils, Burdens, and Dangers Reduce d 
by calling" into action the labours and better feelings of the Poof, 
and by the useful direction of Charity, humbly dedicated, by 
permission, to His Royal Highness the Duke of York ; and containing 
the substance of " An Essay on the Employment of the Poor," by 
H. B. Gascoigne; to which a Premium was awarded by the Honor- 
able Board of Agriculture, in 1817. 



--- - <«.V£«MHMr. - TPx&t*?* 



NAVAL FAME. £ 

EXORDIUM. 

And thus secure the ready means to form, 
A Fleet efficient, ghould a sudden storm 
Disturb the peace in which we seem to sleep, 
And call forth all our prowess on the deep. 

Comrades of old I who for employment burn, 
And Youths! who fain would naval duties learn, 
Though here the Muse has ventur'd to suggest 
What for our Country and yourselves seem best; 
We must submit to Rulers of the State, 
And leave the future in the hand of fate : 
Bearing in mind, whatever fate may bring 
We serve a generous and a naval King. 

But, as the Muse no Squadron can command, 
She freely offers all she has at hand; 
A cruise on paper — where, at least in thought, 
We can recount what is on shipboard taught; 
Refresh our memories, and like old men, 
Fight all our hard fought battles o'er again. 

If, from the past, I can advantage give, 
Or bid the useful observation live: 
If scenes pourtray'd can to our landsmen shew 
The obligations which to you they owe, 
My best endeavours on the task attend, 
To plead your welfare, as my country's friend, 



ARGUMENT. 

Introductory Observations— Remarks on Prize Money— 
The Ship introduced — Described— Remarks on Discipline- 
On Command— The Captain and Officers described— The 
Story of Evander and Emma— Remarks on sending Boys to 
Sea— An Address to Midshipmen— Remarks on Women— 
On imprudent Marriages—On Drinking— On Suicide— On 
Dueling— Advice. 



■■? 



NAVAL, FAME. 

CANTO THE FIRST. 

Time 1804, 
Introductory Observations. 

High had Ambition rais'd her haughty head, 
And built her projects on iranumber'd dead; 
The widow's plaintive voice ne'er pierc'd her ear. 
No cries of misery brought forth a tear ; 
Wisdom's fair views she far aside had laid, 
To pow'r on earth her only court she paid: 
Justice forgot, all laws beneath her feet, 
Religion worn, but as a cloak to cheat. 
Such rancour dire existed in her breast, 
She hated all whom higher Pow'rs had bless'd; 
Deceit her handmaid, Treachery her guide, 
With fluent speech, or terrors at her side. 
Her hand advanc'd held forth a specious plea, 
To cure all evils and all slaves to free; 
Beneath her vest, hard fetters lay conceal'd, 
The grasp of which by art had ne'er been heal'di 



NAVAL FAME, 



Introductory Observations. 



Where'er she came, Peace mourn 'd her near approach,. 
And found all treaties made but to encroach. 

Too long Britannia mourn'd her sons' delays; 
Too long" did Party vain contentions raise; 
Too long* Ambition, from the neighboring lands* 
Insulted Britons with her hostile bands. 

As when a lion, couching in his den, 
First hears the footsteps of approaching men, 
His head he rears, upon the watch he lays, 
And as they near him more attention pays; 
But when he rouses, seeking rest no more, 
Mens, hearts do fail them at his well-known roar. 

So rose Britannia from supineness past, 
When forth she stood Ambition's views to blast. 
She stood alone; but confidence was felt, 
Each, at his home, in full assurance dwelt. 
When through the isles the blast of war did sound. 
Where duty call'd, each man was quickly found ; 
Each gave a portion of his time to arms, 
And all uniting, thus defy'd alarms. 

Britain! beware of avarice! thy bane, 
Destruction lurks beneath the thirst of gain ! 

Though much Britannia mourn'd the urgent cause 
W 7 hich bade her trespass on compassion's laws ; 
The faith of Spain she could no longer trust, 
And public welfare made her conduct just. 



i^ : jm*-:m*szmmmm> ~ass*s^ 



NAVAL FAME. 



Prize Money — The Ship introduced. 

War came, and soon the British ports contain 
The captur'd riches of the southern main. 

Where the long- Spit, extending" from the land, 
Bids anchors bite in marl beneath the sand, 
And Portsmouth's harbour opens to the view, 
Refreshment yielding- to each sea-worn crew ; 
There lay the fam'd Endymion, richly paid, 
Their prizes anchor'd, and their fortunes made. 
There too the lucky Amazon did ride, 
To harbour going- with the flowing' tide; 
For long- at sea she needed great repairs, 
The crew rejoic'd, for captur'd wealth was theirs. 

How great the joy when fortune crowneth hope. 
And bids the seaman give his feelings scope! 
No sordid views degrade his open heart, 
Old comrades share, and want obtains a part. 

Yet why thus dwell on captur'd wealth and gain, 
While thousands meet but with distress and pain? 
Let landsmen know it is a hazard stake, 
Which only one in twenty can partake. 

Between these ships an able Frigate lay, 
To toil and disappointment long' a prey; 
More than two years to strict blockade eonhVd, 
Where tedious sameness wearies out the mind; 
No gain was theirs, against all ills to strive, 
Save hope of change nought kept the heart alive. 



10 NAVAL FAME. 

The Ship introduced. 

Where the gay Seine receives the flowing tide* 
And British cruizers oft at anchor ride, 
The dreary months of winter they had past, 
And each as unsuccessful as the last; 
For still the foe in Havre harbour staid 
Nor had they yet a single capture made. 
To these the joys of Christmas were unknown, 
Nor on the vigil was the Euleblock shewn; 
No cheerful blazes here the eye could please, 
2sk)r e'er did fire their aching fingers ease. 

Ye happy Britons! who live snug at home, 
But daily read of those who hither roam, 
Think not that these their posts can always gain, 
Or at all times a close blockade maintain; 
For adverse winds will frustrate their designs, 
Though seamanship to noble deeds inclines: 
Regard their labours, their endeavours trust, 
Pursue your duties, and to these be just! 

At length reliev'd, to port they soon return, 
But now with double disappointment burn. 
On either side their equals they behold, 
Exulting highly in their captur'd gold ; 
To whom a cruise had independence gave, 
Loose cash to squander, yet enough to save: 
On board, on shore, they bear the palm away, 
While these bear nothing, save their humble pay. 



NAVAL FAME. 11 



The Ship described. 

, 3 \ 



Let no man think I would his tale unfold, 
Or private follies up to Censure hold ; 
All low-born prejudice I here disclaim, 
And trust more worthy objects are my aim; 
Yet he who has a story to produce, 
Must prelude, scenes, and persons introduce. 

First, then, I must my able vessel name, 
Which, for distinction, I will call the Fame. 
Firm on her Stem a well-car v'd image stood, 
A Trumpet sounding o'er the swelling' flood; 
For time hath oft Britannia's prowess shewn, 
And Fame the valour of her sons made known. 
Twice eighty feet and nine, her length extreme, 
Thirty and nine, the greatest breadth of Beam ; 
Two hundred men and eighty-four, her crew, 
In duty skilful, and in courage true. 

As in the best chronometer we find 
The pow'rs of graduated parts combin'd ; 
Which set in motion by one primal cause. 
In just succession must obey its laws. 
But should that primal cause become unjust, 
Too strong, or weak, unfaithful to the trust, 
Inferior agents must the error gain, 
And we, no more, correctness can obtain: 
E'en so on Shipboard; where, one primal cause 
Must rule; all others must obey the laws. 



12 NAVAL FAME. 

Remarks on Discipline. 

'Tis his just sentence in each cause to give, 
He stands the Monarch's representative; 
Who does in him the highest power confide, 
That he in justice may each cause decide.^ 

A tyrant base, I from my soul abhor, 
Yet discipline, the very nerve of war, 
Must be supported, for if once forgot, 
Our spirit's broken, and defeat our lot. 

Firmness is not to tyranny ally'd, 
More than good manners do resemble pride; 
And seamen brave, will most the man revere, 
Who gains the point between contempt and fear, 

Let each man feel a spirit in his line, 
To forward duty each will then incline ; 
But if the chain of duty once you break, 
And Primals should their Subalterns forsake, 
Irregularities creep on apace, 
Pervade each rank, and lead to sure disgrace ; 
No more can zealous officers command, 
E'en British seamen prove a lawless band ; 
Tumultuous noises in their births below, 
Or swearing loudly when aloft they go: 



* In addition to the high authority with which the Captain of » 
Man of War is invested, various circumstances concur to render 
this the most absolute situation in the British service ; when filled 
with propriety, it is certainly one of the most honourable. 



NAVAL FAAIE. 13 

Remarks on Command. 

Such deeds as these a Man of War disgrace, 
Yet this, we know, must ever be the case 
When lawless spirits are of nought afraid, 
Or none, save one, can speak and be obey'd. 

Sure it degrades the man who holds command, 
To let base passion get the upper hand! 
How oft to foul injustice must he fall! 
How oft his hasty speeches would recall ! 

If e'er ill humour gains a man a friend, 
Or e'er to aught that's generous does tend, 
No more will I against my temper fight, 
But petulance shall spit her venom'd spite. 

'Tis not to equals that Ave use harsh terms, 
But to inferiors, which the wrono* confirms; 
Weak minds alone thus fortune's gifts misuse, 
And, in their haughtiness, just pow'r abuse; 
By which vile deeds are subalterns oppress'd : 
Unknown on shore, ungenerous at best. 

Those who demand, do not respect obtain* 
But outward form and ceremony gain. 
If seniors, mildly, common wishes speak, 
To meet each wish inferiors will seek ; 
For such the structure of the human mind, 
We bear respect where gentleness we find. 
But when superiors lose the pow'rful aid 
.Mild firmness gives, and seek to gain the shade; 



U NAVAL FAME. 

Remarks on Command. 

When pride and passion make each word severe, 
And man attempts to rule alone by fear; 
Good men no more with cheerful hearts attend^ 
And minions only to such pride can bend. 

Oh ! there are some ! whose noble hearts so gain 
The love of others, and esteem retain, 
That men as much revere their private name, 
As they would wish to gain their naval fame. 
But some there are, so peevishly morose, 
Of manners haughty, and of language gross. 
No social ties find place within the breast, 
And all around the very name detest. 

As the fam'd cestus which fair Venus wore, 
Could beauties give that were not seen before; 
Some think, a Post commission has the pow'r 
To make a man a god within the hour. 
But, as the cestus could with ease renew 
Each friendly tie tow'rds those whom once we knew. 
By subtle pow'r the other often tends 
To steal remembrance of all former friends: 
Sometimes, indeed, the pow'r is stronger yet. 
And those who feel it, do themselves forget. 

Though here a Briton dares his voice to raise. 
Alike impartial to condemn or praise, 
Of deeds, not men, in censure he would speak, 
By which to learn true characters we seek; 



NAVAL FAME. 15 

The Man of Power. 

And, as by acts, superiors we know, 

Let deeds, not words, the Man of power shew. 

Madden, the First Lieutenant, next appears 
In temper lively, though advanc'd in years. 
Of studious mind, in youth's more early day 
He strove to make fair knowledge pave the way 
To future honours, which he sought to gain, 
But fortune frown'd, and still he hop'd in vain. 
More then nine years a Midshipman & he'd been, 
And twice that time Lieutenant he had seen : 
Near thirty years his King had strictly serv'd, 
Nor yet from constant duty had he swerv'd. 
In many glories he had shar'd the day, 
And oft to conquest had he led the way, 
When Boats and Barges were sent forth to board 
The adverse vessel, in her harbour moor'd. 
Twice had he bravely struggled with the gale 
Against whose force his art could nought avail * 



* When a young gentleman has served six years in this situation, 
he ie examined before a Board of Captains. He is expected to 
produce minute journals of the Ship's daily transactions ; and certifi- 
cates of good conduct from the Captains he may have served under. 
If he answers interrogations satisfactorily, he is said to have passed 
for Lieutenant : but it still requires interest to get promoted to that 
raot. Lieutenant* take rank in a ship according to seniority, 



W NAVAL FAME, 

The first Lieutenant. 

Twice was lie wrecked upon a foreign shore, 
And ruthless fortune robb'd him of his stored 

Hard is the case of him who wants a friend, 
His pow'rful interest, at home, to lend; 
Too oft, alas! does int'rest bear the sway. 
And from pure merit steal reward away* 

Yet such the spirit of our noble youth, 
And British love for liberty and truth, 
No weighty public evils hence can flow 
While through the stated servitude they go: 
But should strong int'rest this good law o'erule, 
And boys command, who better were at school, 
Each worthy Briton must lament the hour, 
And view the dawn fall of his country's pow'r. 

Those who in youth their country strictly serve, 
At least protection in old age deserve j 



* Persons unacquainted with the Royal Navy will learn with 
surprise, that no allowance is made to those who lose every thing by 
Shipwreck. This regulation was probably adopted at an early period, 
to make Officers careful of Vessels committed to their charge. In the 
present state of our Navy, it can have no good effect ; but is a severe 
hardship, too often felt by those least able to bear it. When we 
recollect that a liberal allowance is made to Officers of the Army who 
lose their baggage in a campaign, every generous mind must lament 
that no remuneration is made to these, whose service particularly 
subjects them to such losses; which are, in general, accompanied by 
imminent dangers, and very great hardships. 



NAVAL FAME. 17 

The Second and Third Lieutenants. 

Enough of disappointment have they known^ 
Who persevere till strength, like hope, is flown. 
Let justice, then, some liberal plan devise; 
By length of service let the Seniors rise ; 
Or when at sea, through years, they serve no more, 
Let peace and plenty wait them on the shore : 
But hold my muse! thy task is to relate, 
And not to guide the Rulers of the State. 

Next in command, Perillus here we find, 
Whose first approach might prejudice the mind. 
Late from a Line of Battle ship he came, 
By chance, not choice, appointed to the Fame ; 
A stranger here, his manners speak low birth, 
But further knowledge must decide his worth: 
Unjust it were, should prejudice condemn, 
Though once more humble, let us not contemn. 
How many valued officers are found, 
Who once by low obscurity were bound; 
But whose great merits broke retarding chains, 
And high preferment now rewards their pains! 

The last of those who constant watch must keep, 
And bear command while others sink in sleep, 
To shape their course upon the trackless seas, 
And mark the veerings of the midnight breeze, 
Is youthful Fidus, to good fortune born, 
With sense the lure of luxury to scorn. 



18 NAVAL FAME. 

The Master. 

Of humble parentage the Master came,& 
Far north was born, M'Farlane was his name, 
No Pilot e'er more faithful to his trust, 
Or needle to the pole, devoid of rust. 
In early days, by hardy custom taught, 
He learn'd his duty, nor of pleasure thought; 
To him the manners of the shore unknown, 
To sea-born customs he eonform'd alone; 
Yet none more open, liberal, and free: 
Such feelings best with British tars agree. 
Taught by experience, well each coast he knew, 
O'er trackless seas could steady course pursue; 
The working men few better could command, 
Or on occasion lend a helping hand. 
While duty press'd, his mind was ne'er at ease, 
Short were his meals; and eager still to please, 
Where heat oppressive fills the darken'd hold, 
Attention paid; yet oftentimes would scold: 
For well he knew the mode each cask to stow, 
And grumbling still, still labour'd this to shew. 



* Masters of the Royal Navy rank next to the Lieutenants; 
they are, in general, experienced and good seamen. It is their 
duty to assist the Captain in steering and navigating the Ship j 
they also look after the rigging and stowing the Hold ; and they 
lieep the daily journal and log of the Ship's proceedings and course. 



NAVAL FAME. 19 

The Purser. 

Ofttiraes he'd listen to recounted tales 
Of scenes on shore, which bless the humble vales ; 
Or stories told of more exalted life, 
Where fashion guides, and envy leads to strife: 
Amaz'd he heard what bubbles some pursue, 
And often doubted what was but too true; 
His observations oft excited mirth : 
Yet none offended, for all knew his worth. 

E vander, next, the steady Purser came,^ 
Of meek good temper, at all hours the same, 
Who to his duty strict attention paid, 
A ready penman, nor accounts delay'd. 

But most Evander in his private life, 
Shew'd real goodness, and avoided strife; 
In early days the seeds of virtue sown, 
The fruit and produce in his deeds were shewn. 
ImpelPd by fate to tempt the stormy seas, 
Still to the shore he look'd for future ease; 
Where'er he went, still there his hopes remain'd, 
For gentle Emma his true heart had gain'd. 

In Kent's rich vales her father long- had dwelt, 
And pure affection for his children felt; 



* The Purser has the charge and issuing- of the provisions ; he 
also supplies various necessaries, as coals, candles, &c. Great 
responsibility is attached to this situation ; and strong securities are 
given before a warrant can be obtained. 



20 NAVAL FAME. 

Evander and Emma. 

A rural life in humble cottage led, 
His daughters manag'd, for his wife was dead. 
Emma, the eldest, by her station bound, 
To household duties was attentive found; 
Her education suited to her sphere, 
Had taught her virtue, and her God to fear. 
No giddy thoughts disturb'd her tranquil breast, 
Or wild ambition robb'd her of her rest ; 
With care she strove to act a daughter's part, 
Yet dearly lov'd Evander in her heart. 
To these deceit was utterly unknown, 
All hopes and prospects to each other shewn ; 
For here the youth beheld his heart's desire, 
And virtue, more than beauty, did admire. 

'Twas not the first romantic flame of love, 
Which stripling years and rising manhood prove; 
When first the bosom learns to heave and sigh, 
And feels uneasy, yet we know not why. 
Nor yet impelP'd by manhood's stronger fire, 
When rage the flames which prompt to loose desire 
By some calPd love ; unworthy of the name, 
A selfish, restless, and misleading flame. 

Pure love, the temper'd yearning of the soul, 
Runs through each vein and captivates the whole; 
No selfish views, nor worldly ties it knows, 
With time increases, and for ever flows: 



-nil ^- 



NAVAL FAME. 21 

«■ - : = 

Evander and Emma. 

Borne in the heart, is prudent, steady, just. 
Yet warm and lively, faithful to tke trust : 
Such are the feelings which true love denote, 
And thus Evander to his Emma wrote: 

" Ere yet, my Love ! I quit my native shore, 
And gain the sea where we converse no more, 
To you, the earnest feelings of my heart, 
^\. farewell token, I would fain impart. 

" Well must my Emma recollect the day, 
When first I sought my ardent suit to pay; 
Your prudent words still dwell upon my ear, 
When you, with feeble voice and rising tear, 
Propos'd that I your father's leave should ask: 
In admiration I perform'd the task. 
Again we met within the garden bow'r, 
In tranquil silence at the evening hour; 
My future hopes and all my early woes, 
Within your bosom did my heart repose ; 
'Twas there that we did all our views declare, 
And learn'd a mutual confidence to share, 

" Save when a friend's full confidence we gain, 
And honour bids us from all speech refrain, 
United hearts no secrets e'er should know, 
All hopes and fears in unison must flow, 
Each, to the other, must the whole unfold^ 
And, sympathetic, good or ill behold. 



22 NAVAL FAME. 

Evander and Emma. 

Without this bond, cold jealousies and fears, 
Begin with trifles and increase with years, 
But where this lives 'tis happiness to feel, 
To share the pleasure, or affliction heal. 

" How many dangers wait life's restless seas, 
And phantoms tempting with the hope of ease! 
Not all the wealth this world can give to view, 
The pomp and splendour which mankind pursue, 
Can aught secure our joys in private life, 
Or shield the heart from bitterness and strife : 
All proud desires to lead astray must tend, 
But reason proves humility a friend. 

" Yet why, my love ! do I thus write to thee, 
And here repeat what thou hast taught to me? 
At early age in error's path I ran, 
And stoop'd to follies which degrade the man ; 
My mind misled by vanity and show, 
I thought that pleasure must from riches flow: 
'Twas you who first the vain delusion broke, 
And reason listen'd, as you mildly spoke. 
If lasting good be seated in the mind, 
Intrinsic value there alone we find; 
'Twas there I sought, and time increas'd my love, 
Each day, each hour, thy value more did prove. 

" Much I lament that fate still bids me roam a 
O'er stormy seas, far distant from my home; 



NAVAL FAME. 



Evander and Emma. 



Yet this believe, that wheresoe'er I go, 

No change of sentiment my heart can know. 

" By night or day, where'er my steps I bend, 
Oft on my vision must your form attend. 
Whene'er misled, in error's paths I stray, 
Where vice and folly wanton in the way, 
Thy well-known virtues bid me flee in haste, 
And ev'ry pleasure sickens e'er I taste. 
When, by just thoughts, to fervent prayers inclinM, 
And all the joys of penitence I find, 
Then would my heart with thy full heart unite. 
And led by thee I purpose to act right. 
When we together holy Scriptures search, 
Or join the public duties of the church, 
Our souls uniting look tow'rds heav'n above, 
Oh! judge, my Emma! if sincere my love. 

" Full well you know the wishes of my hearty 
For these I labour'd fully to impart; 
And well I know your hopes and mine agree, 
For both, alike, from arrogance are free: 
Yet we by prudence must each wish confine, 
And ev'ry care to Providence resign. 
Yes! yes, my love! a time will sure arrive, 
When powers and nations shall no longer strive; 
When Peace her blessings o'er our land shall spread 
And love no more the fate of war shall dread, 



?4 NAVAL FAME. 

The Surgeon. 

Then shall a cot employ our constant care, 
And we together will each duty share. 
Let virtue, then, with humbleness be ours, 
And due obedience to superior pow'rs; 
If small our portion, let our wants be less, 
And still contentment may our cottage bless: 
Hope cheers the way while man due labour len 
He can no more : on God the rest depends. " 

Of learned Esculapius we speak, 
Who knew pure Latin, and a little Greek; 
Much he had read, and in his teens did go 
To hear the lectures of the great Monro. 
To him the art of surgery was known, 
The finer muscles, and each smaller bone; 
Nor yet a stranger to the chemic arts, 
Of various compounds could divide the parts; 
How alkali from kali did proceed, 
He could explain by ashes of a weed. 
Of nature's laws, by which she rules so true, 
If not the whole, he had discern'd a few ; 
Why butterflies on cabbages are found, 
And worms, in day-time, live beneath the ground. 
To him each doubt and quibble was referr'd, 
He knew the derivation of each word ; 
Could write a love-song, or a rebus make, 
Could jest with others, and a joke could take : 



*m. 



NAVAL .FAME. 25 

Marine Officers. 

And though in height to five feet tliree counu'd., 
His Little body bore an active mind. 

Herbert, the First Lieutenant of Marines, 
A friend to peace, yet fond of busy scenes; 
Ofttimes aloft lie glory'd to look out, 
Or mark what able seamen were about; 
On ev'ry station through the ship attend, 
And to the nautic art attention lend : 
Till jovial Tars observ'd, in humour keen, 
" They spoil'd a Seaman making- a Marine ;" 
Yet to his duty strict attention paid, 
Nor on the call of honour e'er delay'd: 
A youth he was, of humble birth and fame, 
Whose high ambition was — a useful aim- 
Warner, Jiis Second, far too fond of ease, 
On shore still lingers, nor would tempt the seas, 
While yet a child, allow'd himself to rule, 
Did as he pleas'd, and soon grew tir'd of school. 
When the time cams that he must choose a line, 
To fix his labours, and his thoughts confine: 
He chose the red coat, 'twas a life of case, 
To march he learn'd, and strove the fair to please; 
His form was graceful, and his features good. 
His dimpled cheeks/ adorn 'd by glowing blood; 
Of easy manners, and of fluent speech, 
He well could flatter, and the fair beseech. 



NAVAL FAME. 



Y* 



Remarks on sending- Children to Sea. 

All I hapless Mary ! liadst thou known the youth. 
Or thought how seldom young men speak the truth; 
Prudence had bade thee still his words distrust, 
And Virtue whisper'd that his flame was lust. 
When first he -sought thy tender heart to gain, 
Ami sigh'd, and swore he felt a lover's pain ; 
Hadst thou reflected on thy humble state, 
Perchance in time thou hadst foreseen thy fate* 
When first to thee, he luring presents made, 
And to thy beauties loose attention paid; 
Hadst thou then spurn'd him from thy future sight^ 
As virtue shuns the path to endless night, 
Still hj thy needle hadst thou earn'd thy bread, 
And never griev'd that thou hadst been misled I 

Thus having spoken of the Gun-room Mess, 
And en each member laid a gentle stress; 
~Next in routine the Midshipmen we find, 
Of whom we speak hereafter as inelin'd ; 
But as I would that what I here may write, 
Should place the sea life in its fullest light: 
And wish to say, whatever may be of use, 
A few remarks I now must introduce. 

Ye parents ! who design your sons for sea* 
I pray be cautious that their choice is free; 
For if against the inclination sent, 
I here forewarn you of the dire event* 



x , 



NAVAL FAME. 27 

Remarks on sending Children to Sea. 

Nor yet too early put them from your care, 
But let them still your kind instruction share, 
Until the seeds of virtue you have sown, 
And education hath of knowledge shewn 
The great advantage ; then the rising mind, 
In gaining knowledge will a pleasure find; 
And though, when time shall ripen into man, 
And all the flames of warring passions fan; 
Though human weakness oftentimes may err, 
As from our own past actions we infer ; 
A sound intention at the heart you'll find, 
And gen'rous reason will adorn the mind. 

But if too soon you put your child from home, 
Against the will, o'er stormy seas to roam, 
Ere time the aid of reason may unfold, 
The seeds of good and evil to behold, 
With double weight each hardship strikes the mind. 
And bad examples will the judgment blind: 
For vice, like air, each avenue assails, 
And prudence wanted, much too soon prevails, 

'Tis not alone the duty of the mind, 
To teach the child a competence to find; 
Far other cares on parents must attend, 
As e'en hereafter may on them depend. 

Oft have I paus'd in wonder to behold 
A youth, by nature generous and bold; 






28 NAVAL FAME. 

An Address to Midshipmen. 

Misled by bad example to each crime, 
And old in vice, ere he had serv'd his time. 

Ye thoughtless parents! who just power misuse. 
Nor let your offspring" a profession choose; 
Who labour not parental cares to shew, 
The mind to form, and virtue's seed to sow; 
Think it not strange, if, when old age comes on, 
When cares increase, and strength to labour's gone > 
Your offspring fails in duty to your years, 
Nor feels affection, or your censure fears! 

He that takes charge of youths who go to sea, 
To them, the parent's substitute should be: 
And would he prove himself a faithful friend, 
Much care and pains must on the task attend ; 
*Tis his the seeds of knowledge to impart; 
'Tis his to watc^ the motions of the heart ; 
And when protectors will this line pursue, 
To them a twofold gratitude is due : 
Parents, sometimes, this point too much neglect, 
At sea, too often, we observe defect. 

Pardon, ye youths ! whose spirit well I know, 
That well-meant counsel should in numbers flow; 
Your calling points to honours at the last, 
If well the time of servitude is past. 
*Tis then you should a good foundation g^ain, 
Or future years will bring disgrace and pain; 



rjmRcr.mstE-* 



NAVAL FAME. 29 

Remarks on Women. 

For this believe, no honours are obtain'd, 

Unless by merit and exertion gain'd. 

When rising manhood kindles nature's fire, 

And strong temptations prompt to loose desire; 

If then you follow ill examples shewn, 

Crimes venial held, far better let alone ; 

Though conscience whispers that you are to blame, 

Conceal not evil from a sense of shame; 

Let not disease upon your vitals prey, 

Nor idly trifle by a short delay. 

And though you should, when passions strong impel, 
Frequent the paths where vice and danger dwell, 
Of artful schemes and promises beware, 
Nor let your mind each low idea share ; 
Let not your heart a base attachment form, 
But flee the tempter, and avoid the storm. 

Mark yonder youth ! by artful wiles misled, 
To think his mistress faithful to his bed. 
In vain his friends would draw him from the snare, 
A worthy part in higher life to share ; 
Persuasions, threats, and promises are vain, 
His mind is fetter'd by the fatal chain. 
With downcast look, and meanness in his gait, 
No more he's seen with youthful pride elate ; 
Private he lives, and strives to shun mens' sight, 
But, with his mistress, steals a walk at night. 



30 NAVAL FAME. 

« ' ' ' ' ' — ! 

On Imprudent Marriages. 

So well she imitates the flame of love, 
And to the eye affection seems to prove; 
The youth, deluded, would her cares repay, 
And thus in marriage he becomes her prey. 

On virtuous women is the pow'r bestow'd, 
To draw a lover from destruction's road ; 
By gentle means, far other thoughts to give, 
And bid just views within the bosom live. 
But when the heart of woman is debas'd, 
And all the beauties of her mind defac'd, 
There's naught remaining that can tend to blestf, 
And he who weds her, tampers with distress. 

Awhile, the youth, on present ease intent, 
Low life enjoys and feels himself content. 
But soon his wife far less attention shews, 
And seems suspicious when from home he goes; 
No more she fawns and hangs upon his breast, 
No more with feign'd affection is he prest; 
Each act she blames, but not in gentle speech, 
Nor by fair words strives other thoughts to teach; 
Her voice assumes a harsh ungrateful sound, 
For now in chains of promise he is bound. 

Mistaken view ! which all controul must lose : 
All women err who influence thus misuse; 
No wedded mistress, or the chaster wife, 
By sowing ire can reap the sweets of life: 



•■^(•MSS Vteiiti 



NAVAL FAME. 



Si 



On Drinking-. 



For man, weak man, attention ever claims, 

And this withdrawn, forth burst dissention's flames. 

No more at home the husband's found to stay, 
To former haunts again induc'd to stray ; 
For ease of mind to company he flies, 
To drown his cares intoxication tries; 
The dupe of knaves, at hazard games he plays, 
And night by night the pothouse score he pays- 
Excess of pleasure will the mind enslave, 
Make wise men fools, and cowards of the brave. 
But when mean vices o'er the senses steal 
And men no more the call of honour feel ; 
When dreadful thoughts the sober senses grieve* 
And drinking* only can the mind relieve, 
Few are the days which lead unto the grave, 
And resolution scarce from death can save. 

The youth, awhile, thus seeks in vain for ease, 
The slave of passions which no more can please ; 
His patrimony lost or idly spent, 
And few confess the favours which he lent. 
Meanwhile his wife to former ills returns, 
And thus neglected, for revenge now burns; 
His wants she knows, and though for years her friend, 
Faithless she proves and robs him in the end ; 
Contracts large debts, and in his name gives bonds, 
Then with a new made captive she absconds. 



S# NAVAL FAME. 



On Suicide. 



Rous'd to a recollection of his state, 
He blames the past, but thinks it now too late ; 
Before him lays the world, a wilderness, 
No friend appears, or comfort in distress; 
By all deserted, misery his lot, 
No hope he knows, his very God forgot; 
Succeeding days his growing wants increase, 
And recollection robs him of all peace ; 
Misshapen dreams disturb his nightly rest, 
His waking thoughts by real ills opprest; 
Of many pressing- creditors afraid, 
Disgrace now threatens, for they will be paid. 

Yice cloth'd in wealth by man is faintly seen, 
For here self-interest often draws the screen ; 
But when from vice the transient wealth has flown, 
The world can see it, and contempt is shewn. 

So stands the youth, to misery a prey, 
Nor reason's dictates can he now obey; 
Distracting thoughts weigh down his tortur'd soul, 
In vain he seeks to drown them in the bowl; 
Each madd'ninfv draught but fuel adds to iire, 
And bids his arm against his life conspire. 
Insane with drink, and knowledge of his cares, 
He takes a pistol and to slay prepares. 

At sight of death, weak reason gains a pause, 
The love of life the momentary cause ; 



NAVAL FAME. S3 

Oa Suicide. 

Then burst afresh the troubles of his mind* 
Despis'd, deserted by a wife unkind; 
His murd'ring arm prepared once more extends, 
Deep frenzy strikes^ — and here — existence ends. 

He who thus dies, must bear a coward heart, 
By vice unman' d, and in despair depart. 
Shew me the man! who from excess of joy, 
Or conscious worth, by his own hand would die : 
Delusion all, vain sacrifice of breath, 
By man who knows — life endeth not in death. 

Can he be brave who basely steals from life?- 
Nor dares contend with self-created strife; 
That life which God, of his free will did give; 
Whose voice, supreme, commanded him to live. 
And shall he, disobedient, dare to fly, 
UncalPd, unsummon'd, to his throne on high ; 
Where justice, first and last, for ever reigns, 
Where mercy dwells, and penitence obtains 
A promis'd pardon — self accus'd he stands, 
His sins still live, still reeking are his hands: 
Weep human nature ! — view thy weakness here 
For hope now fails, though pity sheds a tear! 

How near ally'd is Duelling to this, 
And full as distant from the hope of bliss ; 
One murder only does from this ensue, 
Whereas the duellist contemplates two. 



34 NAVAL FAME. 

■ - ~~* ■' ' — t 

On Duelling 

Duel— the curse of men sincerely brave, 
Which hath consign'd its thousands to the grave; 
Lost to themselves, their families and friends, 
Without producing* any useful ends; 
The bully's bear — the coward's last resort, 
With fatal evils but no virtue fraught: 
Society's foul bane, by God condemn'd, 
By all — save human weakness — now contemn'd. 

Ye mighty Monarchs ! guardians of our fate, 
Ye Princes, Lords, and Rulers of each State ! 
Condemn the practice, duellists degrade, 
Men may be brave without such vicious aid. 

Ye brave, ye just, ye generous and bold! 
Who feel religion and true honour hold; 
Command weak passion, — guard each step to ire, 
Nor let the words of haste resentment fire; 
Seek by mild firmness to defend your name, 
And dread transgression — more than worldly shame. 

Of you, weak Spirits ! who in haste transgress, 
And by hot words your erring thoughts express; 
By language foul, to break each friendly tie, 
And oaths profane, or bully with the lie; 
Who, in base pride, false honour to defend, 
Provoke a stranger or a valu'd friend; 
I ask one question — it is plainly this, 
If thus you die — where rests your hope of bliss ? 



NAVAL FAME. 35 

Advice. 

Some few there are, whose hearts I fain would cheer, 
And bid the comforts of their case appear; 
For much too soon the human heart desponds, 
Beneath the weight of indiscretion's bonds: 
Alone the evil of our state appears, 
And reason flies before increasing fears. 

If you, misled, imprudent choice have made, 
Let reason govern and be now obey'd. 
First, let suspicion from the breast be thrown, 
Nor must a knowledge of the past be shewn ; 

Retirement seek, at least avoid the throng, 

Where scoffs abound, and vice may still lead wrong ; 

Forsake the errors of your evil days, 

And let discretion now attend your ways; 

By gentle means, your partner thus invite 

To quit the regions of eternal night. 

If e'er her heart with honest thoughts did glow, 

Or yet a sense of gratitude can know ; 

From errors past, she'll faithfully abstain, 

And you, from evil, will a treasure gain* 
But should you still in former errors roam, 

Still spurn religion, and neglect your home; 

Disgrace and shame must on old age attend, 

Nor shall you know the comfort of a friend. 

END OF THE FIRST CANTO, 



ARGUMENT. 

A Breakfast Scene on Board— Unexpected good News — 
Preparations for a Cruise— Ways and Means— Golden Hopes- 
Signal for Sailing — Weighing Anchor — Making Sail— Wearing 
Ship— Shortening Sail— Coming to an Anchor— Getting under 
Weigh— The view of the Ship under full Sail described- 
Leaving Port — Heaving the Lead— The Captain's Cabin 
described — Gunroom and Officers' Cabins — Saturday Night 
at Sea— Washing Decks— The Sabbath— The Mariner's Com- 
pass described — An Observation of the Sun — Method of 
finding the Latitude — Humour at Sea— Patience and the 
Wash-tub— A Poet disappointed — Advice easier given than 
taken. 



NAVAL FAME. 



«H)-mE!H- 



CANTO THE SECOND. 



A Breakfast Scene on Board. 



Bleak was the morning' which together drew 
The Gunroom Mess, while scarce a hope they knew. 
Prepaid for sea again their vessel rides, 
Moves to the waves and swings unto the tides. 
Their downy Cots reluctantly they leave, 
And round the board the reeking tea receive; 
While some the projects of the day inquire, 
And others grumble at the want of fire, 
Another, visions of the night relates, 
And half believes that these foretel our fates ; 
On all the comforts of the shore intent, 
Thus youthful Warner gives his feelings vent : 
And though from public murmurs some refrain, 
Inward they feel, and to themselves complain.— 

" Oh ! what a miserable dog am I ! 
To live on ship-board where with cold I die, 



38 NAVAL FAME, 

A Breakfast Scerse on Board. 

Such shocking* bread I never eat before, 
No dog- would ever touch it while on shore; 
No milk, or eggs, and such salt pork and beef, — - 
Who goes on shore? I must have some relief! 
Had I but been an Amazonian blade, 
Or an Endymion, and my fortune made ; 
At once would I have beat a quick retreat, 
Nor on salt water ever set my feet. 
But here condemned on ship-board to remain, 
Blockading- gunboats, without hope of gain ; 
A shocking station, where it always blows, 
With nipping* frosts, or heavy rains and snows; 
Shut from the world, except to two or three, 
And scarcely ever from sea-sickness free: 
Heaven relieve me from so sad a life, 
Oh ! that I could but marry a rich wife ! " 
To this, good Madden, in his usual mood, 
Laughing to see such discontent intrude. — > 
" I like a joke! a yonker just at sea, 
Who owns he is not yet from sickness free, 
Thus discontented with whate'er he sees, 
Nor will he let his bread and butter please. 
Come, come, my boy ! you must not here complain, 
Rubs must be borne, and you more patience gain; 
Take my advice, let these things pass with ease, 
Nor dwell on subjects which can never please ! " 



NAVAL FAME. S9r 

The Midshipman. 

More he would say; a Midshipman comes in, 
Who to the Captain on the shore has been; 
His morning orders to convey on board, 
Or letters which the daily posts afford. 

Between his knees his trim cock'd-hat is placM, 
His rosy cheeks by glowing- blood are grac'd; 
His teeth assist his fingers, one by one, 
To take his glove off, — feeling almost gone: 
The hand reliev'd, into his breast is sent, 
With head inclining and the body bent, 
And thence withdrawn, a letter holds to view, 
" The Captain, Sir ! has sent this note to you ; 
He begs you'll send our Caterer on shore, 
And says we must have three months' stock or more." 

In haste good Madden breaks the closing seal, 
All gaze, and hope he will the news reveal. 

" Good news, my boys ! this cheering note peruse, 
The Captain says, we're going on a Cruise." 

"A Cruise! hey! where?" the little Doctor cries, 
With sudden pleasure beaming in his eyes ; 
With joy and haste he takes the welcome note, 
And reads to all, what their good Captain wrote, 

" Dear sir, this post has brought the joyful news, 
That we are going on a three months' cruise; 
Between Madeira and the Western Isles, 
The given spot, which must repay our toils, 



.40 NAVAL FAME. 

Unexpected good News. 

Let all on board tlie information share, 

That ev'ry mess may for three months prepare; 

Give leave to all who wish, and you think rigb - 

Get stores on board and be complete to night : 

Have all things ready to proceed to sea, 

But come, I beg, and dine, at four, with me. 

"A Cruise, you dogs ! " cries Warner, " hey a cruise ! 
Well done, good Captain, thank you for the news ! " 

" Come," says Perilius, " this will surely do, 
As yet, his equals I have met but few; 
My former Captain would not say a word, 
And feel a pleasure that we had not heard," 

All speak at once, their Captain's praise to plead, 
But blunt M'Farlane thus will take the lead. 

" Why, Sir ! you'll find him what a man should be, 
Upright and downright, from all nonsense free; 
No one, I'm sure, would wish to stay below, 
When he thinks proper from the ship to go; 
When he returns, to be on deck each tries, 
But then, he blames us if from meals we rise.^ 
Indeed, he makes things pleasant to us all, 
And neve sends the weakest to the wall ; 



* It is customary for the Officers, Warrant Officers, and Mid- 
phipmen, to attend upon Deck when the Captain goes from the Ship, 
<jr returns, between eight in the morning and eight at night. 



NAVAL FAME. 41 

Preparations for a Cruis?. 

There's not an officer would leave the ship, 
Though she should never go a western trip. 
As to the men, they never will desert ; 
Willing they are, and seldom come to hurt; 
Yet I believe that few can beat the Fame, 
When we are call'd on to support our name; 
At Making sail, or Reefing, you will find, 
Let who will try, we are not left behind: 
And if to action by good luck we're brought 
I'll lay my life, the ship is nobly fought. " 

A rising hope Evander's heart now feels, 
A thought of Emma o'er his senses steals; 
But other duties here attention call, 
And thus, as Caterer, he speaks to all : — » 

" Now for the Mess ! you see we must not loss 
A single hour preparing for the cruise. 
Ten pounds, I think, we must subscribe, not less, 
The waut of stock would be a great distress; 
And at Madeira should we chance to land, 
We then shall wa*it a little cash in hand ; 
If we want more, I shall have some to spare, 
So make the purchasing of wine my care." 

" Another call ! " poor Warner here exclaims, 
His conscious cheeks approaching to the flames; 
* To this subscription I cannot object, 
But then, I did not such a call expect," 



42 NAVAL FAME, 



Ways and Means, 



ia Yh-'i f ' cries Perillus, M if you want the cash, 
ill let you have it; on a cruise we dash: 
Cheer up, my boy ! nor let your heart get low, 
We soon shall have a rich Galleon in tow. 
I would not give a sixpence for the man, 
Who won't assist a messmate when he can: 
May,, if you want it, to make square on shore, 
You're welcome, faith ! to ten or twenty more : 
I've gat an idle hundred pounds, or so, 
If ethers want it, only let me know. " 

To this, the Seniors forward gently bend, 
Which, though declining, cannot aught offend ; 
But Warner's wants press hard upon his mind, 
To take the offer he appears inclin'd ; 
Peril his well his inward wish perceives, 
And thus the doubtings of the youth relieves:-— 

" Who's for the shore % come, Warner, let us ga, 
What you require, why only let me know. 
I want some things, so let us take a walk ; 
When snug on shore we'll have a little talk; 
Then, if you like, at the Blue Posts we dine, 
Baker, I know, will give me his best wine ; 
And i£ it suits you,, when the bottle's done, 
We'll beat the rounds up for a bit of fun." 

" Thank you ! " cries Warner, " I with pleasure go: 
Ami when en shore have something more to shew ; 



NAVAL FAME. 43 

Golden Hope. 

I'll dine with you to-day with all my heart, 
But pray excuse me if I soon depart; 
A lovely creature my attention claims, 
And ev'ry minute I am absent, blames ; 
You heard the Doctor joke of it before, 
I'll tell you all about it when on shore." 

Now each, on shore, his chosen path pursues, 
To well-met friends imparts the happy news; 
Some write in haste to kindred far away, 
To whom, the golden prospect they pourtray : 
To all the transports of their joy give scope, 
And take for certain, what they're led to hope. 

And now, Evander to his friends reveals 
The chance of prizes which his bosom feels. 
First to his father, as in duty bound, 
Whose tender care his early wishes crown'd ; 
Then to his Emma, as affection leads, 
And love returnM, unto the lover pleads. 
To these, the information gain'd he gives, 
In which high hope of captur'd riches lives. 
But unto Emma, he is most intent, 
The fears and cares of absence to prevent; 
When opportunities but rare occur, 
And distance great, arrivals must defer; 
When the fix'd heart the daily po^t expects. 
And disappointment day by day dejects. 



44 NAVA L FAME. 

i , -•. ,.' . " . .. ' . : ■ : " . 

Signal for Sailing 1 . 

Or when the winds, in hollow blast of night, 
The waking scenes suddenly affright; 
When beating hearts the tempest's ills pourtray, 
And anxious maidens for their lovers pray. 

Once more the light a new-born day displays 
To him on board, and him on shore who stays. 
High on the mast Blue Peter ^ waves in air, 
And bids all hands on board the ship repair. 
With searching eye, and still more curious ear, 
Each sailor asks his messmate where they steer; 
Some say off Havre, some a western cruise, 
Though each is knowing, all inquire the news. 

Mid-day is past, the hour of dinner spent, 
The stately barge is for the Captain sent, 
All Hands on board, save Warner and his friend, 
Who still the pleasures of the shore attend. 
But Madden fearing they'll be left behind, 
Prepares to loose a Topsail to the wind ; 
A signal-gun he orders to prepare, 
The well know summons quick on shore to bear. 
To clear the gun, the ready gunners fly, 
" Fore topsail ready ! " from aloft they cry ; 



* A bine flag- with white in the centre, the eommon signal for 
sailing. 



NAVAL FAME. 45 

Signal for Sailing 1 . 

66 Let fall and fire ! " the officer exclaims, 
The canvass shivers and forth burst the dames: 
The well known sound flies swiftly to the shore, 
And bids the Idlers^ to delay no more. 

Fair is the wind, and now the tide is slack, 
Nor wait they long, the barge is coming- back ; 
While distant far, the Captain they perceive, 
Perillus, Warner, who all fears relieve ; 
For these, when coming- off, he had detained, 
And thus a passage in his barge they gain'd. 

With nimble step a midshipman descends, 
And soon on deck each Officer attends, 
Salutes his Captain with good will and ease, 
Whose kind return attentive minds must please: 
No show of ostentation he requires, 
'Tis worth, not pomp, which true respect inspires. 



The First Lieutenant now his trumpet takes, 
And preparation to Weigh Anchor makes ; 
Having Unmoor'd, and sent the Jews away, 
Who to the last are ever found to stay. 



* A term jestingly applied to those ^ho attend to thiir p re- 
ticular duties, but do not keep the regular watch, as the Parser' 
Surgeon, Murine Officers, &e. 



m NAVAL FAME. 

Weighing- Anchor. 

The Boatswain now his silver Call & prepares, 
Which by a chain around his neck he wears. 

" All Hands in Barge Ahoy f " he pipes and cries, 
His deep hoarse voice to ev'ry corner flies: 
At either Hatch his Mates apply their call, 
And hoarser sounds repeat his words to all. 
The well known Pipe all Hands in haste obey, 
And gain the Deck without the least delay; 
The Pendant Tackles in the boat they hook, 
And to the Boatswain for the Pipe they look; 
This heard, they hoist, the Barge now rises slow, 
Which in its Birth upon the Booms they stow. 

His Pipe again the order'd Boatswain tries, 
"AH Hands up Anchor!" loud he pipes and cries; 
In haste all hands to various duties go, 
The duty nam'd, his station each must know. 
On deck in haste the Capstan-bars they Ship, 
And through each head the Safety-pin they slip ; 
The Swifter next at outer ends they Reeve, 
Which weaker bars from springing must relieve ; 



* A small Pipe carried by the Boatswain and his Mates, to at- 
tract the attention of the crew when any duty is to be done. Certain 
sounds are established for particular duties, which are instantly 
known and obeyed; by which the repetition of orders is avoided, 
and the duty caried on with a regularity and silence truly astonishing 
t o a landsman. 



NAVAL FAME. 47 



Weighing Anchor. 



Each at his bar his well known station gains, 
Yet through the ship respectful sileiiGe reigns. 

Let him who would with ease his Anchor Weioi?_ 
To placing men, a due attention pay; 
Man well his bars, the outer ends the best, 
For there it is the purchase bears the test; 
There let him place the stoutest of his crew, 
Where weight applied, will triple service do; 
In due succession let the rest attend, 
The least and weakest at the inner end : 
Thus, in full force, on board the Fame they're found, 
Fix'd to the bars and waiting to Heave rotmd. 

Perillus now, the Forecas'el attends, 
The Third Lieutenant to the Waste descends; 
And there the Gunner with his steady crew, 
Attend the Capstan and in haste bring to 
The pliant Messenger: three turns they take 
As one side gains the other must forsake; 
The gaining side and Cable bound in one, 
By pliant Nippers which the Boys hold on ; 
Thus all prepar'd " Heave round on Beck ! " they crv, 
The men their shoulders to the bars apply; 
At first heave slow, the merry fifers pity, 
They feel the strain, and smartly run away; 
The weighty Ship thus dragg'tl ahead by force 
Receives her Cable at the Starboard Hawse] 



4s Naval fame. 



Weighing 1 the Anchor. 



And as each Nipper does the Hatchway gain, 
They cast it off, and others bear the strain. 

Hard work the Tierers in the Tier below, 
The sturdy Cable in true coils to Stow; 
Close to the Hatch some careful hands attend, 
Within due time to give the proper bend: 
Tor if, by chance, a turn is wrongly past, 
While these amend, the Capstan must stand fast: 
But here, in truth, no standing fast they need, 
All work with judgment and round in with speed. 

The steady Master various parts attends, 
But now an eye unto the cable lends; 
The closing Buoy upon the water plays, 
And watching still shews where the Anchor lays; 
The rising Cable by the strain is taught, 
The angle shews the Ship is Hove well Short. 
Now from the Forecas'el they pipe " Belay," 
The force they lessen and the Capstan stay; 
The dropping Paul within its bed they slip, 
Cast off the Swifter and the bars unship. 

"All Hands loose Sails Ahoy !" the Boatswain cries, 
To gain the Rigging smart each Topman flies; 
Nor yet ascends until the word he hears 
"Way up!" 'they run, for emulation cheers, 
Both arms and legs to mount with speed they strain 
The Topmast-Rigging and the Cap to gain. 



NAVAL FAME. 49 

Making Sail. 

*' Trice tip ! Lay out ! "the Stnnsail Booms tbey raise* 
Out on the Yard-arm smart each Yardman lay* ; 
The station'd men o'er Lower Yards now bend 
To loose the well cut Courses they attend ; 
In haste the binding Gaskets they unfold 
But vet the canvass in their amis they hold; 
* Let fall ! — Sheet home !— Shake out one Reef! — he calls* 
Prone from each yard the spreading- canvass falls; 
The weighty Courses from their arms they cast, 
Cluegarnets, Bnntlines, for the present fast. 
While those below to haul the Sheets home bend, 
Attentive Topmen their assistance lend ; 
Bnntlines and Cluelines in the Top o'er-haul, 
And foot the sail which from the Rim must fall; 
Nor yet from duty can attention roam, 
They give them notice when the Sheets are Home, 
The Topsail Yardmen knotted Points now seize, 
Which more by judgment than by force they ease; 
With nimble fingers these Adrift they cast, 
Then ease the well rove Earings at the last; 
The made up Gaskets o'er the Yard they throw, 
The Booms then lower and descend below. 

At once to hoist the Topsail-yards on high, 
To well rove Haul yards they their strength apply * 
Again the fifers merrily do play, 
The Leeches taughten, and they pipe Belay j 



50 NAVAL FAME. 

Stowing- the Anchor. 

Each well piac'd Cleet, a Topsail-yard now holds, 
The Haulyards well secur'd by many folds. 

The Lee Headbraces next they Ease away, 
And Brace a Box that she may Cast right way; 
For if, though willing, they to Starboard cast, 
They must run Foul ere other ships are past. 
The After-yards unto the wind they Brace, 
But leave the loosen'd Spanker in its place. 

While some the Jibs and Staysails now relieve, 
Again the Capstan they prepare to Heave; 
Right up and down the Cable's seen to Grow, 
The strain is heavy and their progress slow; 
A greater force each steady shoulder plys, 
The Anchor Trips and from the mud does rise. 

The ang'l'd Jib with speed they hoist away, 
Then Shift the Helm to make her cast right way; 
The circling Capstan merrily runs round, 
Until the Stock a proper height is found ; 
Again they pipe " Belay," again they Paul, 
The bars unship, and run to the Cat-fall; 
The Cat is hook'd "Haultaught!" their weight they ply, 
By Sticking-out more Cable they supply ; 
Then " Haul away ! " with heavy step they tread, 
And drag the Anchor to the broad Cat-head. 
The well made Stopper through the Ring they reeve, 
Which when belay'd does well the Fall relieve. 



NAVAL FAME. 51 

Weariug Ship. 

The watchful Buoy and rope they haul in board, 
Which when Unbent in proper place are stor'd. 
The tricing Fish the careful Gunners hook, 
No time is lost, it firmly grasps the Fluke; 
This as they hoist with heavy step and slow, 
The hooked Bill upon its board to stow, 
To the Stock-tackle is due strength apply'd, 
And thus they close the Stock in to the side 
Another tackle on the Bill they place, 
And thus the Flukes in good position brace; 
The strong Shank-Painter next is rightly past, 
And when secur'd, they find the Anchor fast. 

By slow degrees her head to Port Pays round, 
Till on the Beam the flowing breeze is found; 
No more the Falls along the deck extend, 
To Trim the sails and Wear they now attend; 
Starboard the helm, the slack Jib-sheet haul Aft, 
To other duties they attend Abaft; 
The proper braces to square marks they haul, 
The Forecluegarnets are Let-run of all. 
Each in his station must his duty mind, 
The Jib-sheet's shifted when before the wind; 
The Dog- vane Staff the Quartermaster moves, 
The wind upon the Larboard Quarter proves. 
The Spanker-boom above the Crutch is Topt, 
And borne to Starboard, by the 3Iainbrace stopt; , 



52 NAVAL FAME. 

Heaving the Lead. 

The spreading sail unto the boom haul'd out, 
To other duties quick they turn about. 
The Starboard braces smartly they round in, 
The full advantage of the breeze to win ; 
Then Main-Cluegarnets, Buntlines overhaul, 
The Sheet and Tack on either Gangway fall ; 
To set each Course the Tacks they Haul on Board, 
Then drag the Sheets aft, as they can afford. 

To set Topgallant-sails, aloft they fly, 
The Sheets and Haulyards those below must ply. 
Thus by degrees the vessel is Wore round, 
Till near Ahead her present Course is found ; 
The helm now meets her with opposing force, 
To keep her steady to the given Course ; 

Which gain'd, they Right: the Master now is fain 

To look Ahead, his leading Marks to gain. 
In each Main-chains an able seaman stands, 

With well coiPd line and plummet in his hands; 

Far o'er the side above the flood he bends, 

With grasping feet 9 and to his line attends; 

Forward he leans, and far the balance leaves, 

The Breastrope trusting while the Lead he heaves. 
First, fore and aft the pendant weight is past, 

Each time it rises higher than the last; 

Till gaining force, above his head it goes, 

Increasing motion even while it rose; 



NAVAL FAME. 



53 



Pilotage. 



A second circle o'er his head it takes, 

Ag-ain it rises and the hand forsakes, 

Towards the Bow with hissing noise it flies, 

Dives in the waves and airy bubbles rise; 

From his loose hand the well mark'd line descends 

By measur'd fathoms till the running ends; 

The certain depth while underfoot he tries 

And to the Pilot cheerfully he cries 

" By the deep Twelve ! " 



His leading- marks the anxious Master gains 
To shape his course and keep them on, his pains; 
* Port! Port! " he says, the Helmsman " Port! " replies, 
The Wheel he moves, her head to starboard flies; 
u Steady you go ! " the guiding helm by force 
They shift, to keep her steady to her course. 
Past either side the rippling waters flow, 
Abaft the Beam impelling breezes blow; 
While some to ease the Tacks and Sheets are found, 
The Weather Braces in again they Round; 
Each well known mark the Master still perceives, 
The Leadsman's song no fear of grounding leaves; 
The distant Kicker with Fort Monkton on, 
They pass the Warner keeping them in one ; 
But as to pass the Bembridge point they steer, 
Towards the south and east the wiud does veer. 



54 NAVAL FAME. 

Foul Wind. 

" All Aback Forward ! " loud the Boatswain cries,, 
" Up with the Helm ! " the Officer replies ; 
Her Helm to answer readily she's found, 
The Jib assists her, and her head Pays round ; 
The eas'd off Tacks again are Haul'd on Board, 
Nor can they now an inch of Sheet afford ; 
While some attend the Staysails, those abaft 
Brase up the Yards and drag- the Sheets close aft; 
The shaking Bowlines with a song they haul, 
The weather braces then haul taught of all : 
Close on a Wind, towards the Wight they steer, 
The Warner's past, nor have they ought to fear. 

The anxious Captain still on deck attends, 
And due attention to these changes lends. 
Right in their Teeth, unfriendly breezes blow, 
And soon the tide against their course will flow ; 
This having weigh'd, he little hopes can see 
Of making progress if they go to sea, 
Before the morning, or the dawn of light, 
So orders gives to Anchor for the night. 

" All Hands bring ship to Anchor ! " now they call, 
And well known stations are soon gain'd by all. 
To the Best Bower sufficient strength applies, 
And soon on deck a range of cable lies ; 
While some to Let the anchor go prepare, 
The slack Jib-down-haul vin the Waste they bear; 



NAVAL FAME. 55 

Shortening Sail. 

The Fore and Main Cluegarnets well are man'd, 
Aloft they run Topgallant-sails to Hand, 
Towards the shore upon a wind they stretch 
And soon a Birth within ten fathoms fetch. 

" Haul Taught ! " all hands to shorten sail prepar'd, 
And sundry duties in each station shar'd ; 

" Up Courses ! — In Topgallant-sails ! — down Jib ! " 
The Blocks all tremble as the Sheaves run glib ; 
The weighty Courses to their Yards are brought, 
Cluegarnets, Buntlines, Leechlines being taught; 
The light Topgallant-sails they quickly Hand, 
Each spreading Yard by active youths well mann'd ; 
The Haulyards gone the Jib descends below, 
Which, with the Staysails, they forbear to stow. 

The lofty Topsails now they seek to clue, 
But keep the Spanker spread to Bring her too; 
The Topsail-Cluelines straight they hand along, 
The Leadsman still continuing his song 
" By the deep Nine ! " " Clue up ! " the trumpet cries, 
The Sheets they slack, the Bunts and Clues they rise ; 
Each Weather Topsail-Brace they hold in hand, 
"Let go the Bowlines!" is the next command. 
" Lower away the Topsails ! " adrift they cast 
The whirling Haulyards which the Cleets held fast, 
The weighty yards now by the masts descend, 
Below, the Braces carefully they tend ; 



56 NAVAL FAME. 

" ■ ■ — ; ' . i. ■ . — , 

Coming to an Anchor. 

Without command, as by experience taught, 

The Yards they square and haul the Lifts well taught, 

Each pendant Yard then close unto its mast, 

Bv Braces, Lifts, and Trusses now held fast. 

" Starboard the Helm ! and let the Ship come too," 

To Port she flies unto her Rudder true; 

From after sail no more she Way derives, 

But Head to Wind against the breeze she strives; 

" The Ship has lost her Way Sir ! " " Stream the Buoy !" 

" To Brail the Spanker up some hands employ ! " 

The watching Buoy unto the waves they cast, 

But until order'd keep the Anchor fast, 

ft Stand clear of the Cable !" " All clear! " they say, 

* Let go the Anchor!" smartly they obey; 

The Stopper and Shank-painter when let go, 

The pond'rqus Anchor sudden dives below; 

Fast through the Hawse the running cable takes, 

The whole ship trembles aud each Timber shakes? 

To the Half-cable mark at once they Veer, 

And bid the Service in the Hawse appear : 

The strong Deck Stopper round the Cable past, 

Brings up the Ship, the Anchor holding fast. 

"All Hands Furl Sails !" the Boatswain pipes and cries, 
To gain the Shrouds each nimble Topman flies; 
" Away aloft ! " once more they gain the word, 
Put save the Officer's no voice is heard. 



NAVAL FAME, 57 

Taking- in Sail. 

Before the breeze the lofty Vane does cur], 
' Trice up ! Lay out ! Take in one Reef and Furl ! " 
The Stunsail-booms by well rove lines they raise, 
And o'er the Yard each nimble Topman lays; 
To pass the Earrings to Yard-arms they fly 
The Reef they gather and the Points they tie ; 
The gather'd Leech towards the Bunt hand in, 
And Furl the canvass with a smooth taught skin ; 
The binding Gaskets round the whole are past, 
To gain the Top and Rigging they move fast; 
The Booms then lower which the Yards receive, 
The Pipe once more to gain the deck gives leave. 
Meanwhile the Jib and Staysails smooth they stow, 
No more the Spanker in the Brails does flow. 

"All Hands Square Yards! "just as the Pipe may please. 
They tend the Braces to haul-in or ease; 
By Lifts and Braces well the Yards they square, 
The Spanker-Boom then to the Crutch they bear. 

To clear the deck, and coil all ropes away, 
Each in his station must attention pay : 
And now to Call the Watch they all prepare, 
That some the comforts of Below may share; 
But e'er they gain the leave to go below, 
Once more the wish'd for friendly breezes blow, 
Steady and strong, a leading wind and free, 
,Again inviting to proceed to sea; 



58 NAVAL FAME. 

Description of the Frigate under Sail. 

Again they Weigh to tempt the stormy seas 
And spread their canvass to the flowing breeze. 



Now ye! who quit the inland vales and lawns, 
For Wight's fair Isle, where rosy health adorns; 
To srain new life from freshness of the breeze, 
And view new wonders floating on the seas; 
As on the beach or on the clifts you stand, 
To view our gallant vessel pass the land: 
With swelling canvass and free course we glide, 
This view presenting on the Weather side. 

Far o'er her Prow the Flying-Gib extends, 
Whose taper Boom beneath the pressure bends; 
The Bowsprit firm projects beyond her Head, 
To which the Fore and Fore-top Stays are led ; 
Then comes the Jib with ample swell and bend, 
The full advantage of its force to lend ; 
Foretopmast-staysail then is seen to rise, 
These angl'd sails point upwards to the skies: 
By well rove Kaulyards hoisted and held fast 
At proper distance on the lofty mast. 

Then comes the Fore-mast, form'd of various parts, 
By seamen rigg'd : most useful of our arts . 
The Foremast first, o'er which the Top they Prize, 
Then high the Topmast and Topgallant rise, 



■ft 



c 




NAVAL FAME. 



59 



Description of the Frig-ate under Sail. 



O'er these toe Royal -mast aloft is found, 

Each by its Shrouds, its Stays, and Backstays bound ; 

On either mast a pendant Yard hangs true, 

The well cut Square Sails spreading- to the view; 

Each Yard and Sail a due attachment shares, 

And proper naming from the Yard which bears; 

Thus Foresail first, Foretop-sail as we rise, 

Topgallant next, and Royal in the skies. 

Between the masts the angl'd Staysails spread, 
By Sheets and Haulyards tow'r.ds the stern and head. 
Then comes the lofty Mainmast with its sails, 
Nam'd as the Fore, but greater height prevails; 
Where at the Truck see streaming in the breeze 
Our warlike Pendant, master of the seas. 
Towards the Stern, the Mizzenmast you view, 
Topsail, Topgallant, and the Royal too. 
But here, instead of a square sail below, 
The GafF and Boom the wide spread Spanker shew ; 
While at the Peak the British Ensign flows, 
And bids defiance to our Country's foes ! 

A perfect model does her Hulk present, 
With proper aid by paint and ornament. 
Above the Stem, a Female Figure seen, 
Her form is lovely, and her mantle green ; 
For Fame must ever flourish as the spring, 
And news of British victories still bring. 



CO NAVAL FAME. 

Description of the Frigate under Sail. 

Low at the side where rippling water flows, 
At ev'ry Heel the shining copper shews; 
Beneath the waves her Run is neat and clean, 
While o'er the flood the swelling Bow is seen; 
Along the side a yellow streak extends 
Between the Bullwark and the varnished Bends; 
Where fourteen guns, on either side, appear 
Giving the foe her Broadside dire to fear; 
These Eighteen Pounders, over which are seen, 
Abaft the Gangway and the ladder clean, 
Our Carron ades which execution do, 
With round and grape, whose shot weighs Thirty-two* 
Tire glaz'd Half-port shews where the Captain liv, 
And neat appearance to the Quarter gives, 
Which neatly rounding in towards the Stern 
Bids you the Quarter Gallery discern ; 
With windows fitted and a roof of boards, 
The greatest comfort which a ship affords. 

Thus, as you look, before the gentle breeze, 
Silent we pass upon the tranquil seas ; 
Till turning round you view our distant Stern, 
Which soon you know you shall no more discern, 

The well set sails unto the breeze now swell, 
From port and home the vessel to impel; 
With lingering eyes some view the passing shore, 
Which soon, they know, they shall perceive no more; 



XAVAL FAME. 



61 



Calling the Watch. 



In vain they look, in vain for home they burn, 
Yet hope yields comfort, they will soon return. 

Not so to those who foreign stations gain, 
And leave their native land in anxious pain; 
Friends long unseen, and barely heard of some, 
Long years of absence, unknown fate to come ; 
Yet full resign'd do faithful seamen go, 
£Jor dwell on troubles which from duty flow. 

Past Wight's fair isle a steady course they steer, 
And bid the Channel's broad expanse appear; 
Clear of the land, towards the west they sail, 
And spread all canvass to the flowing gale. 
To Call the Watch # on deck, they now prepare, 
That some the comforts of below may share ; 
No more All Hands unto the deck attend, 
The hungry Officers below descend; 
The Gunroom hour to dine is long since past, 
With aching feet and hands they come at last. 
Luxurious hour! when each obtains his wish 
To warm his finders on a cover'd dish ; 



* A ship's company is usually divided into two or three divisions, 
which take the watch on deck four hours alternately. The day 
watches are the Forenoon, the Afternoon ; the last four hours being- 
divided to cause a chauge, called the first and last Dog-watch. Then 
«ome the First night, Middle, and Morning watches. 



62 NAVAL FAME. 

The Captain's Cabin described. 

Or else a large potatoe to enclose, 

When soon the heat through tingling muscles flows. 

While these the comforts of the board enjoy ; 
To view their births we must our time employ ; 
No cold reserve or haughtiness object, 
So first the Captain's cabin we inspect. 

On the main-deck behold the sentry stand, 
To give admittance, with the door in hand. 
The first division, of good space we find, 
To dine and common purposes design'd ; 
Six feet six inches high beneath the beams, 
Neat mouldings struck, and cover'd are the seams; 
Arid here a stove of brighten'd copper stands, 
Where those on deck oft wish to warm their hands. 
In the recess, around the mizzen mast, 
We find utensils for the table fast ; 
The cups and saucers in false bottoms plac'd, 
By silver waiters and the teapot grac'd. 

Two smaller cabins at the stern invite, 
To ease and comfort both by day and night, 
In one, a sofa will its comforts lend, 
Or iron standards may a Cot extend; 
A chest of drawers the linen may contain ; 
From more minute remarks we here refrain. 
A drawingroom the other cabin forms, 
The sides adorn'd by paintings of rude storms; 



NAVAL FAME. 



63 



The Gunroom described. 



A good collection here of books we find, 
To aid experience, aod improve the mind; 
With all conveniences to read and write, 
As duty calls, or leisure may invite. 

But ere the time of dinner rolls away, 
We must descend, the Gunroom to survey: 
And on dimensions lay a gentle stress, 
For here eight officers are found to mess. 

Though landsmen, p'rhaps, may hear it with surprise, 
Fifteen by fourteen is, in feet, the size; 
But that the after part is not so wide, 
Towards the stern, a foot on either side. 
Bare four feet ten the height beneath the beams, 
No mouldings struck, nor cover'd are the seams; 
No polish'd stove for use or show here stands, 
The watch reliev'd, none here can warm his hands; 
Around the mast the cups and saucers hung 
In racks, no table for the glasses slung: 
Each seeks things useful, and, as pride he scorns, 
A metal teapot the recess adorns. 

The private cabins range on either hand, 
Where each may sit, but cannot upright stand; 
By regulation, six teet square allow'd, 
Six inches more here make the owner proud. 
If chance a sofa should its comforts lend, 
O'er half the cabin must the frame extend ; 



04 NAVAL FAME. 

■ ' ■ — ~» 

Saturday Night at Sea. 

And truly happy is the owner's lot, 
Clear of the sides to hang his narrow Cot. 
And here a Brills-eye gives a feeble light, 
Which, in fine weather, serves to read and write j 
But in a breeze the Barricade must close, 
And, save a candle, here no light he knows. 

Yet here great neatness oftentimes is found,- 
Though small the spot, true comfort may abound $ 
To this may each from folly's scenes retire, 
And mental ease repay the want of fire: 
Here, books may well the studious thoughts employ, 
And hearts enlarg'd, extensive thoughts enjoy. 

Now comes the night, when, o'er the social glass, 
In tender thought each youth will toast his lass. 
The Bell Struck Eight, the first night Watch is set, 
And merry messmates at the table met; 
Perillus, Warner, Fidus, and the rest,- 
To drown their troubles pass the lively jest; 
Round goes the joke, arid each partakes his share, 
For when at sea, good humour must be there : 
'Tis this which often drives dull care away, 
And bids each laugh at what his messmates say* 

If one much Weaker than the rest should be : 
And such a youth yon oftentimes may see, 
Whose narrow heart can't take the passing jest, 
But shows by anger that he feels oppress'd. 



SA-VAL FAME. 05 

Saturday Night at Sea. 

All hands uniting- urge him on to ire, 
He stands the butt of ev'ry witling's fire* 

Yet oft there's danger in a joke, though good* 
Where little's said, and much is understood ; 
Good sense should ever witticisms guide, 
For oft by these hard is the temper tried; 
And if the wit should not be taken right* 
Mirth and good humour vanish out of sight, 
The blood flows quickly in extended veins, 
And passion seizes the misguided reins ; 
Words follow words, and things are often said* 
A man repents of, when he gets to bed; 
For cooler moments say he was unjust, 
Then how get off? apologize he must; 
And though it goes against the grain to say, 
" I'm sorry, messmate ! that the other day, 
I dropp'd some words, where meaning did imply 
Insinuations I can't justify ; " 
Yet say he must, and though the thing is past, 
Remembrance of it will for cruises last. 

But of this night 'tis the peculiar care 
To call to mind remembrance of the fair: 
Oft does the husband wish his home to gain, 
And oft the lover feels a lover's pain. 

Thiuk not, ye fair! that loose attire can please^ 
Or forward Misses, always at their ease; 



66 NAVAL FAME. 

Washing- the Decks. 

For though exposure may weak passions raise, 

Or witty answers may demand false praise, 

Fair virtue only can true charms impart, 

'Tis this alone can captivate the heart. 

In you, they wish to find, what maids should be, 

The gentle form, with ease and modesty; 

In you, the sailor hopes, at last, to find 

The prudent caution, and the tender mind; 

A something, still to counterpoise each stormy 

To warm the feelings, and the past reform ; 

For though, when calPd by duty far from you, 

Too oft the path of error they pursue, 

Yet this believe, that ever in the end, 

The faithful sailor proves the female's friend : 

ftespect the men who guard your native land, 

And on past failings bear a lenient hand. 

Hard is the task with friends and home to part, 
And leaving port will oft deject the heart; 
A silent langour o'er the senses steals 
For each the loss of some known pleasure feels : 
And though by hope their sanguine views are led, 
Each takes his glass, and early goes to bed. 

At break of day, to wash the decks they move, 
For now the watch alacrity must prove; 
Each with his handstone, on his knees here bends. 
With sand he scrubs, and to his plank attends. 



■ ' " y • - ' 



NAVAL FAME. 67 

The Sabbath. 

i 

Unhappy he! who cannot sleep below, 
While on the main-deck they drag to and fro 
The weighty holystone; hard is his lot, 
From side to side to tumble in his cot; 
But when in passing o'er a nail it grinds* 
All set on edge his very teeth he finds; 
Pettish he turns, and tries again to sleep* 
But now with besoms o'er his head they sweep* 
Then, thump by thump, the mopping swabs they ply, 
Nor can he doze until the deck is dry* 

Forth comes the Sabbath, from all labour free* 
Nor yet neglected here, though far at sea* 
At ten o'clock, the Boatswain pipes " All Hands V* 
His name to answer, in his turn each stands; 
In comely dress across the deck they go, 
Bow to their Captain and descend below. 
In welUdress'd line the neat Marines are seen* 
Herbert examines that their arms are clean: 
These, when dismiss'd* no more on deck appear* 
But soon the tolling of the bell they hear* 

Into the cabin now each man repairs, 
To hear his Captain read the morning prayers, 
Him they respect, and due attention pay, 
For even sailors feel a wish to pray ; 
Whose honest hearts, by good example shewn* 
Perceive their failings, and their errors own* 



68 NAVAL FAME. 

The Mariner's Compass. 

A specious show all honest minds detest, 
The cloak of vice, or hypocrites at best; 
But if all public worship we neglect, 
Too sure, for Heaven we lose all respect. 

The fairway gain'd, they see the distant Start, 
Nor seek the Lizard, but from hence depart; 
Due west, by Compass, for a while they steer, 
No more the lands on either side appear. 

Experience now must steady reck'ning' keep, 
To guide the vessel o'er the trackless deep ; 
And youthful minds which for preferment burn-, 
By daily tasks the useful art must learn ; 
Each, from the Start, his reckoning must keep, 
And by the Compass traverse o'er the deep. 
For common purposes, you men on shore 
Divide the circle of the earth by four? 
But those at sea correctness must pursue, 
So make their points amount to thirty -two ; 
Which by eleven and one-fourth again 
They multiply, exactness to obtain : 
Which parts they term and calculate with ease, 
Three hundred true and sixty full degrees. 

But here, of variation we must speak, 
And give to those who information seek. 
The ship, by compass, seems to run due west, 
But that with seamen will not stand the test;. 



NAVAL FAME. 69 

The Mariner's Compass. 

For though their magnets tow'rds the north direct, 
In many parts they do not point correct; 
Which variation, when a course they run, 
Is ascertain'd at setting of the sun; 
For as they move, increasing change they find, 
Which seems perplexing to the human mind, 
Year after year they find the error gain, 
But yet the cause they cannot well explain. 

Here, now, they find the variation west, 
Two points one half, or little more at best; 
And as they wish correctness to obtain, 
That space they must upon the left hand gain. 

With eastern gales the British Channel past, 
Each hour presents more chances than the last; 
No more, cold caution gives a check to hope, 
But lighten'd hearts grant flowery fancy scope ; 
Riches to come, past troubles must assuage, 
And golden dreams the rising thoughts engage. 
A double share is offer'd as a fee, 
To him who first a distant prize may see;| 
And what a sailor thinks of far more worth, 
Some extra grog', to tipple in his birth. 

But now the wide Atlantic's waves they meet, 
The Breezes change and On a Wind they Beat, 
Across the Bay in Starboard Tack they stretch, 
As first they wish Cape Finistre to fetch. 



70 NAVAL FAME. 

A Sail Discovered. 

The Bay of Biscay, — known for dreadful gales, 
Whose rolling swell the rising Bow assails; 
High points her head to gain the rising flood, 
And far aloof it seems as though she stood ; 
Then, headlong diving, down the sloping steep 
lngulph'd they lay in hollow of the deep. 

But who can speak the feelings which he knew 
When first at sea, he stood this scene to view, 
What strange sensations at each rise and fall, 
What qualms the stomach and the thoughts appal. 

Throughout the day are various duties done, 
Topgallant-yards sent down at setting sun; 
For easy sail they carry through the night, 
Good watch they keep, nor will they shew a light. 

Now like the eagle rising in the air 
To search around and dart upon his fare ; 
The eager Lookouts, at the break of day, 
From the Mast-heads look round in search of prey ; 
At once, together, to the deck they hail, 
That, right ahead, they see a distant sail. 
In haste the eager Midshipman, below, 
Now slings his glass that he aloft may go. 
From the high Top his well set glass he tries, 
A Brig upon the horizon he spies; 
Towards the Fame he finds the stranger steer, 
Taunt rigg'd she seems, and like a Privateer. 



NAVAL FAME. 71 

Making Sail in Chase. 

This he reports; as yet no sail they make, 
Success on judgment often is at stake; 
And ev'ry Cruizer, if he's keen, will try, 
Approaching- vessels nearer to decoy: 
For when end on, and little sail is seen, 
To judge when distant must a foe be keen; 
Thus you steal on, and fast the object near, 
The adverse vessel sees no cause to fear: 
But if too soon all sail in chase you make, 
The wary rogue discovers his mistake. 

" A Privateer in sight" — the news soon spreads, 
And bids the Idlers raise their sleepy heads; 
The anxious Herbert readily ascends, 
To the Fore-cross-trees, and attention lends; 
With steady tube, and body duly bent 
To mark the motions of the Brio- intent. 
M The Brig's in Stays" he bids the Lookout hail, 
At once they Turn the Hands up to make sail ; 
Quickly all Hands come rushing from below, 
Each with his Hammock, in the nets to stow, 
On either Gangway and the sides around 
And thus their bedding is a bulwark found. 
Topgallant-yards aloft they smartly send, 
And active youths o'er Topsail-yards now bend; 
Cast-off the Points, and thus shake out each Reef, 
To all attentive, but the Earrings chief; 



n, NAVAL FAME. 

The Chase. 

To set Topgallant-sails and Uoyals fly, 

The Sheets and Haulyards those below must ply; 

The Jibs and Staysails smart they hoist-away 

And to their Cleets the Haulyards taught belay ; 

Then set each Course, and spread the Spanker wide, 

Down yields the vessel on her leeward side; 

All sails well trim'd, and ev'ry thing at rest, 

She feels her canvass, but is not opprest; 

The Watch now call'd, no more all hands appear, 

The Helmsman strives with able hand to steer; 

With easy helm a steady course he makes, 

Close at the wind, but ne'er the canvass shakes. 

Ye jovial sportsmen ! who the fox pursue, 
O'er hill and dale, the swamp and river through; 
Who, the high fence and five bar'd gates fly o'er: 
The manliest exercise we know on shore ; 
Ye ! who ne'er flinch, but always follow true ; 
These now enjoy the chase as well as you ; 
And though they smoothly o'er the surface run. 
Like you they find there's danger in the fun; 
For though a neck is not so often broke, 
Legs, arms, and heads, are ofteu times bespoke. 

To learn the news all eyes and ears attend, 
And e'en the Idlers to the Tops ascend. 
With glass well strung and careful steps they go, 
For wanting practice, they make sure, though slow- 



NAVAL FAME. 



The Chase. 



Ill haste the focus of each glass they find 

In true direction on the Rim reclin'd. 

From whence, the vessel, on the starboard Bow, 

At times seen plainly, and but faintly now, 

With broken view the object they behold, 

But find her standing* from them as was told. 

With steady speed the running chase they near, 
Now from the deck her Courses are seen clear. 
The anxious Captain takes a steady view, 
To mark her course, that he may best pursue; 
The chase he sees is Dead upon a Wind, 
Hope cheers the prospect though they are behind: 
Each thinks in time to make the chase a prize, 
Which fast upon the horizon they rise. 
Past steals the hour and fast the chase they near, 
No more they doubt that she's a Privateer; 
Nearly abeam, about three miles she bears, 
Though far To-windward she must scon be theirs; 
For now to Tack and stand the other way, 
Each one expects, still ready to obey: 
As him a Seaman they would not tzte^m,. 
Who drew the chase abaft his Weather Beam. 



"We'll Go about!" the skilful Captain cries, 
The trumpet orders and the pipe replies; 



74 NAVAL FAME. 



Beating to Windward. 



* ATI Hands Bout Ship ! " they come without delay, 
And in their stations due attention pay. 

The Weather Leech no more the Helmsman shakes, 
But gives a Spoke and thus Fresh Way she makes ; 
The First Lieutenant here must give command 
With watchful eye and trumpet in his hand. 
" Ready, Oh ! Ready ! " caution first he gives, 
AH hear the warning and strict silence lives; 
u Down with the Helm ! " round goes the Prising Wheel, 
And bids the Rudder angle with the Keel; 
" The Helm's a Lee ! " the pipe they now obey, 
Head-sheets and Bowlines soon they ease away; 
The gaining- pressure at her stern she feels, 
Towards the wind her head submissive steals, 
The shaking canvass in the wind then plays; 
"Rise Tacks and Sheets !" the Tacks and Sheets they raise; 
The Topmen now the Backstays well attend, 
To lesser duties all attention lend; 
The After-Braces due attention share, 
To swing the yards and sails they now prepare; 
Full in the wind the ship obedient goes 
Till right ahead the steady current flows; 
" Mainsail Haul ! " along the deck they bound, 
The ship e'en trembles as the yards fly round; 
While those below drag down the stubborn Tack, 
Some tend the Sheet and overhaul the Slack, 



pppi. lkp M »|W9P«l^ 



NAVAL FAME. 75 



B eating- to Windward. 



Then drag' it aft; the braces those belay, 
The Spanker Guies abaft they ease away. 

Still the Head Sails all Flat Aback do lay, 
And fast the vessel from the wind must pay, 
The Aftersails begin the breeze to feel, 
Then " Haul of All ! " again they Right the Wheel; 
The weighty Yards then steadily walk round, 
Dragg'd to the Bumpkin the Foretack is found; 
Headsheets and Braces they awhile Avast, 
Off from the wind the seventh point is past; 
Fresh blows the breeze and fast she gathers Way, 
Her Head does now the leeward helm obey; 
She's Flying-too " Brace-up ! Haul-aft away ! " 
The dragg'd home Sheets and Braces they belay ; 
Now with a song the Bowlines well they haul, 
The Weather Braces then Haul-taught of all ; 
And thus their labours for awhile they end, 
But yet on deck the ready hands attend. 



A steady course the Chased still maintains 
On angles opposite the Chaser gains; 
Till nearly Abeam once more the vessel bears, 
To Tack again the duty now is theirs; 
Smartly they work, and quick her head flies round, 
Both vessels thus upon one Tack are found. 



76 NAVAL FAME. 

The Capture 

But bow the Chasers, though they are behind, 
Regard not speed, but closely Hug the Wind ; 
Intent to Weather, for the past must teach, 
That when they choose, they can with ease Fore-reach. 

No more the Chas'd a steady course can steer, 
But frequent Yaws denote their rising fear; 
To Leeward fast, perceptibly, they fall, 
The Chasers Weather and Fore-reach with all. 
On the Main-deck two guns they now prepare, 
Though these would reach her, they awhile forbear ; 
Within Point-blank and in direction true, 
The first shot fir'd must bid them to Heave-to. 

But now their Colours to the Peak they send, 
And bursting flames with deaf 'ning sound ascend ; 
The whizzing shot unto the object flies, 
To mark its fall in vain they try their eyes, 
Right through her Foresail, just before the Mast, 
The glass alone informs them where it pass'd. 
In vain the chas'd would think of an escape, 
For now they lay within the reach of Grape ; 
A second British Messenger now flies, 
" Heave-to ! and show your Colours! " loud he cries; 
His stern commands they well have learn'd to know, 
Nor to obey his mandates are they slow; 
Up goes the Ensign of the Spanish Crown, 
JS t o sooner hoisted than again hauPd down ; 



"■»" ' " H«» . 



NAVAL FAME. 77 



Au Observation of the Sur 



Sheets, Tacks, and Haulyards they at once Lrt*fly, 
And ffive their vessel all adrift to lip : 
Each one descends his ready bag- to stow, 
All hope is gone, they must to prison go. 

Now to Heave-to the Captors are content. 
On board the prize the Third Lieutenant sent * 
Who takes possession, and secures her guns, 
With easy sail then down to Leeward runs ; 
Astern she passes, while all prying* eyes, 
With pleasure gaze upon their maiden prize. 

To pick a Crew, and prisoners exchange, 
The Man of Power bids Madden to arrange, 
Most of the Spaniards he would take on board, 
To send away few men they can afford : 
Nay some e'en wish she never had been seen, 
Their sanguine minds for richer prizes keen. 



At Seven Bells the Midshipmen attend, 
Each witb his Quadrant, must attention lend; 
Releas'd from school, they now enjoy their fun, 
And learn to mark the mid-day by the sun. 

His brazen sextant forth the Master draws, 
Exact to set it when the sun may pause; 
And first, a station on the gangway gains, 
Where soon an Observation he obtains. 



78 NAVAL FAME, 



The Latitude Found. 



From the reflector, through the darken'd glassy 
With moving hand he makes the sun to pass ; 
Then, sweeping slowly, gives his lower limb, 
On the horizon properly to skim. 
Sol still mounts higher, but with progress slow* 
That mid-day's near, he gives the youths to know* 
Often he looks, and sets the instrument, 
To catch the moment of the pause intent ; 
Each observation nearer than the last, 
Till Sol, by falling, marks the mid^day past. 

To find the latitude they now incline, 
And state the distance from the burning Line. 

The Master marks where his just index cuts, 
Degrees and minutes then to paper puts; 
Half Sol's diameter he adds to this, 
Making his centre thus the water kiss ; 
6ut, as allowance for the water's height, 
And air's deception to the human sight, 
Dip and Refraction from the whole rejects* 
And thus the Altitude at noon corrects; 
Which now from ninety true degrees he takes* 
As that a quadrant of the circle makes; 
The declination then he recollects, 
Or else the printed table here inspects ; 
Which, as the sun does on the north intrude, 
He adds, and thus he finds the latitude. 



NAVAL FAME. 



79 



Writing the Log-. 



This to the Officer on deck he gives 
From whom the Captain his report receives; 
Then down he goes his daily Log' to write, 
From twelve to twelve inclusive of the night; 
First marks the hours, and then the miles as run, 
Adding the fathoms from the Reel which spun; 
Then came the courses and the shifting wind, 
With each and all occurrences combined. 

"At 6 a. m. disco ver'd a strange sail, 
" Fresh breeze at West with clouds and some small hail f 
" At 7-30 made all sail in chase, 
" Stranded an old and Rove a new main-brace; 
" Finding we fast upon the chase did gain, 
"At 9 Tack'd Ship, 9-30 Tack'd again; 
" 11-5 Brought-to the chase with guns, 
" Which prov'd the Spanish Privateer Alcuns ; 
" 11-40, Prisoners brought on board, 
" Thirty and eight, two months the vessel stor'd." 



And now, below, each honest open heart, 
Would fain the news to friends on shore impart; 
In haste they write as by their feelings led, 
Some hope for gain, while lovers absence dread. 
All things arrang'd, the public letter wrote 
The time and place of capture to denote; 



* 



80 NAVAL FAME. 



Humour at S: 



A trusty Midshipman the charge now takes, 
And soon for Harbour spreading* sail he makes. 

Long dwells the eye upon the parting sail, 
And fain again Old England's shore would hail; 
Long dwells the mind on friends now far away, 
Which casts a gloom on the departing day. 

All ye ! who know the pleasures of the shore* 
And feel a joy great nature to explore; 
Who range in freedom o'er the fertile land, 
With ev'ry source of pleasure at command, 
Alternate toil and ease, free converse, books, 
The woods, the lawns, and gently flowing brooks; 
View these at sea, to narrow space coufm'd* 
And tedious sameness wearying the mind; 
No friends, or post, convey ideas new, 
The searching eye here finds no change of view; 
One wide expanse of water here surrounds, 
In humour only, oft relief abounds. 

Now seeks the mind for something to amuse, 
Jest follows jest, and stratagems they use. 

The Doctor rises as the morning breaks, 
And thus, in haste, to sleepy Warner speaks : 
" Warner, my Boy ! another Privateer, 
'< We soon must catch her, for she's very near ; 
" Turn out, my Lad ! and wash your drowsy face, 
" I'll go, and see how fast We near the chase." 



NAVAL FAME. 81 

f ,, ,. , 

Humour at Sea. 

On deck he goes, and lets Perillus know 
The trick he plays, then down he slips below. 

In haste poor Warner hurries on his clothes, 
And soon on deck in expectation goes. 
Amaz'd he finds that little sail is set, 
Nothing in sight, and all the decks are wet< 
To him, Perillus jestingly cries out, 
"How! Up so soon! Why what are you about? 
What brought you up so early from below? 
This is the First of April you must know." 

With angry looks he quickly turns away, 
And goes below, but not one word can say. 
In vain his pillow would invite repose, 
The mind's employ'd, nor can the eyelids close; 
Plan follows plan, and scheme succeeds to scheme^ 
The laugh to turn and credit to redeem ; 
When breakfast comes, he strives to bear the jest, 
Nor tells the scheme which labours in his breast: 
Here stands a pupil in probation's school, 
Nor dare shew anger, though an April Fool. 
None but Perillus seem to give him pain, 
With Esculapius he can jest again ; 
Who, ever active, having seen the sick, 
Writes in his cabin, and forgets the trick. 

Well Warner knows he oft invokes the muse. 
To speak his feelings and the hour amuse j 



NAVAL FAME. 



Humour at Sea. 



So, in revenge, to stay his writing more, 
Squeaks with a flute, and whistles at his door. 

Such hideous noises, by sad proof we're taught, 
Alarm the muse, and much disturb the thought; 
Nay; better music, must each poet know, 
Draws off attention, nor bids stanzas flow. 
But Esculapius having ready wit, 
Still scribbles on, and lets the teazer sit; 
Till having finish'd what he is about, 
Lays down his pen, and presently walks out. 

Poor Warner, thinking that his scheme has took. 
Runs laughing off, nor stays to give a look; 
On deck he goes, and tells his messmates there, 
Who in the laugh he thinks will take a share. 
Scarce has he told the scheme which he employ'd, 
And how, he thinks, the Doctor he annoy 'd; 
When lo; the old Lobiolliboy^ appears, 
And looking sly, on laughing Warner leers, 
A labell'd bottle holding up to view, 
Cries, " Sir! the Doctor sends this here to you." 
On this Perillus quickly lays his hand, 
And reads the label as around they stand. 
" While you was whistling, fifty lines I wrote; 
Pray use the gargle, if you strain'd your throat," 

* An Old Sailor who attends the Surgeon. 



NAVAL FAME. S3 

Humour at Sea. 

With bursting laugh, all eyes on Warner turn, 

Who, thus outwitted, now begins to burn ; 

His angry words upon Perillus fall, 

Whose loud coarse laugh provokes him more than all ; 

But dinner comes, and soon the generous wine, 

With thoughts of home, to usual mirth incline. 

Insidious here Perillus plays his part, 
And seeks to gain upon the youth by art; 
Of scenes on shore, he merry stories tells, 
Speaks of the females, on their charms he dwells; 
In praise of Mary's beauty he is loud ; 
The point is struck, for Warner here is proud; 
Whose youthful heart from all reserve unbends, 
Pleas'd with the theme, and full attention lends. 

An extra bottle on the board appears, 
A prize is takeu, and the prospect cheers ; 
Each, the indulgence of great hopes proclaims, 
And thus young Warner hastily exclaims — 

" Well ! now, my boys, we're fairly on a cruise ! 
A thousand pounds I'd for my ch-nce refuse. 
Old Pine, at Portsmouth, said I should be rich, 
By George ! that fellow is a very witch ; 
Some things he told me have come out so true, 
I think I almost know what we shall do. 
Oh ! that the Captain would send me away, 
In the next prize, at Portsmouth snug to lay, 



84 NAVAL FAME. 

Humour at Sea. 

■■' ■ i 

You'd see how soon I'd have my girl on board, 
For all expenses I could then afford ' f 
Oh! oh! ye dogs! how I would life enjoy, 
And range in pleasures that could never cloy." 
"What!" cries Perillus, "was it not enough, 
That you deceiv'd the girl with so much stuff, 
Of love and nonsense which the heart procures,. 
And made her think she should for life be yours; 
But that you'd have her from her mother slip r 
And live a prostitute on board of ship f 

In ire the youth — " I thought you, sir, a friend, 
And hop'd I might on secrecy depend; 
By Heaven, I never speak to you again,. 
Till proper satisfaction I obtain !" 
At this Perillus laughs, for well he knows, 
The tender point from which good humour flows;. 
And takes advantage of a deed unknown, 
Which yet does rest between themselves alone. 

But Esculapius being here afraid, 
Passion will rise, nor reason be obey'd ; 
To change the subject and prevent abuse, 
Offers his morning's scribbling* to produce* 

With latent joy, his offspring forth he brings: 
Poets feel vanity, as well as kings; 
And having told the subject of his lays. 
Making excuses, yet expecting praise, 



NAVAL FAME. 85 

A Lodging-house Adventure. 

With anxious look and care he now proceeds, 
And thus a lodging-house adventure reads: 

" The passing weeks again the wash bring round, 
Kitchen and wash-house with the clothes abound; 
Mistress and maid now moving quick about, 
The cat and dog must often put to rout: 
What luckless fate, if clouds obscure the sky, 
Attends them both, and ev'ry stander by ! 

" Late rose Pilgarlic from a friend's fire side, 
And measur'd home his way with hasty stride ; 
Rapp'd at the door, and then apply 'd his ear, 
' Alas ! the servant is in bed I fear ! 
Fool that I was ! the washing to forget, 
Lock'd out of doors, kept standing in the wet!' 
Again he rapp'd, and stamp'd upon the ground, 
For cold the wind and mizzling rain fell round; 
Yet something whisper'd, as each hand he'd rub, 
4 Patience, good man ! you're near a washing tub !' 

" At length, he heard a footstep on the stair, 
The modest maid, p'rhaps with her wonted care. 
f Who's there?' demands a voice within quite bold, 

* A friend !' he answers, ' who is very cold :' 

4 A friend no doubt ! but want you Colonel Fox ? 
' The d — 1 take these sliding bolts and locks!' 

* Your pardon, Colonel ! that I broke your rest, 
•' The maid is surely by dead sleep oppress'd! 



m NAVAL FAME, 



A Lodging-house Adventure. 



* I am the inmate, they Pilgarlic call, 
6 I want admittance, Colonel, that is all!' 

" But now the master of the house came down, 
Well wrapp'd and guarded in his flannel gown ; 
His looks so well his sentiments express'd, 
Pilgarlic quickly took himself to rest. 

P The morning came, the breakfast table set, 
Raw was the weather, and the clothes all wet; 
The maid was cross, the mistress was unwell, 
Pilgarlic felt what he alone could tell. 

" ' Oh, sir ! my maid has quarrell'd with your man f 
He will not help, though I say all I can; 
It's all her fault, a fool ! I suffer most, 
She has no manners more than any post. 
There, sir ! she had her coppers both to fill : 
Get down then, cat ! don't plague me now I'm ill ! 
There's ev'ry pail of water now to fetch, 
And then the women have the lines to stretch ! ' 

" In haste Pilgarlic swallow'd down his tea, 
Then walk'd abroad, far other scenes to see; 
And smiling, cry'd, as thinking on each rub, 
' Patience is virtue near a washing-tub.' v 

Smiling he ends; and wishful looks around, 
Well pleas'd to hear the sudden laugh resound. 
But here, alas ! his triumph is but short, 
For though, at first, they well approve the thought ; 



NAVAL FAME. 87 

A Poet disappointed. 

E'en while he smiles, and looks around for praise, 
Each friend proceeds to criticise his lays. 

One gentle censor owns the thoughts are good, 
The language plain, and easy understood; 
But, here and there, points out a faulty verse, 
Which reads but ill, though it might well rehearse. 
Another, cannot all the meaning see, 
Or understand who Colonel Fox could be. 
A third, admits the piece is very well, 
And serves the weakness of the sex to tell ; 
He knows not why, but is not fond of rhyme, 
Yet hopes to read it — when he finds spare time. 

In vain he pleads, explains, or would contend, 
His private feelings each one will defend; 
At last, in disappointment he retires, 
And finds self-love against his fame conspires. 

Yet, reader, think not that his case is hard ; 
Behold, in life, what troubles wait a bard! 
What strife attends on him who seeks applause ! 
Mark human nature, and observe the cause! 

Let him, who by his writings would be great, 
Seek not applause, but in his study wait ; 
For if, by knowledge of his chosen theme, 
Or useful labours, he deserves esteem, 
A just discernment he will find prevail, 
And due encouragement in time, will hail : 



SS NAVAL FAME. 

Advice easier given than taken. 

For in a land of liberty and choice, 
The best of censors is — the Public Voice. 

But if, to seek applause he condescends, 
Or to the babbling of each tongue attends, 
The human passions he will find conspire, 
And oft in disappointment must retire. 
Nay, if he thus would purchase a great name, 
And leave descendants annals of his fame, 
For other ages he must temples raise, 
And persevere, devoid of gain or praise. 

Hold, hold, my muse ! for while you thus would teach, 
My wants won't let me practice what you preach. 



The Author's Address to his Muse, .on publishing the 
Second Edition of his "Naval Fame,''' in 1825. 

Since thus you wrote, full twenty years have flown, 
And time the justice of your words has shewn; 
For twenty years in hope you've persever'd, 
And twenty pillars for your temple rear'd; 
The labour thine — as yet rest all the gains 
With those who found blank paper for thy brains; 
We'll form a partnership! so write away, 
I will turn Bookseller and take the pay; 



NAVAL FAME. 



The Author to his Muse. 



In hope's free breeze, whence fairer prospects spring, 
We'll seek a Patron in a gracious King; 
To make our labours serve the good old cause, 
Xing, Church, and State, and equitable laws. 



END OF THE SECOND CANTO. 



. !' 



ARGUMENT. 

A Spring Morning at Sea and on Shore contrasted — 
The Misery of Indolence at Sea — Beating to Quarters at 
Midnight — Orders to be observed in Action — Preparing to 
engage — Feelings of the Crew on going into Action — Disap- 
pointment—The Cruising Station gained — Remarks on Flies 
in a Warm Climate — Tediousness of Time at Sea — An Evening 
Scene at the Mess-table— Conversation— On Naval Courts 
Martial— A sudden Quarrel at Cards — A Walk on Deck by 
Moonlight— Friendship— The Story of Herbert— Evander^a 
Reflections. 



NAVAL FAME 



►l©l@H 



CANTO THE THIRD. 



A Spring Morning at Sea and on Shore contrasted. 

With flowing sails, before the eastern breeze, 
They seek their station on the western seas; 
Nor once attempt to bring the land in view, 
But find the longitude by lunars true ; 
Fast to the southward and the west they run, 
And hasten summer as they meet the sun. 

Mild mornings now, dispelling dewy night, 
The early risers to a walk invite; 
But here, alas! no more of spring is seen, 
No pleasing blossoms, or the pastures green : 
Where'er they turn no change of scene is found, 
And azure clouds the vacant prospect bound. 

Great is the loss to him, who, when on shore, 
In high delight would nature's works explore; 
While yet the dew-drop hangs upon the thorn, 
And joyous beings hail the welcome morn j 



92 NAVAL FAME. 

The Misery of Indolence at Sea. 

When first the skylarks from the corn arise. 
And hail the sun, high towering* in the skies; 
When honest peasants leave the humble cot, 
And labour seek, contented with their lot ; 
When merry milk-maids their clean dairies leave* 
And the swoln udders of their store relieve: 
Or to the calves they give the flowing teat, 
While ewes around for playing- lambkins bleat. 

Parent of all ! thou universal God ! 
Who did protect me when this path I trod ; 
Whose genial spring oft bade my wonder rise, 
And view thyself where'er I turn my eyes ! 
When, at thy will, destructive war shall cease, 
And troubled nations feel the bliss of peace ; 
With humble wishes still inspire my heart, 
And let this life once more its joys impart! 

Wretched is he, most wretched of his kind, 
Who, when at sea, can no employment find ; 
Whose listless soul from all exertion flees, 
And vainly seeks in indolence for ease : 
Still, hour by hour, drags on a slavish chain, 
And vain repining but increases pain. 

While some their daily duties well attend, 
Or seek by useful labours to amend, 
Inactive Warner lounges through the day, 
To idle talk and lethargy a prey : 



NAVAL FAME, m 

Beating to Quarters at Midnight. 

When tir'd on deck, again he goes below, 
Still sameness tires, nor knows lie where to go. 
If chance a volume should attract his eye, 
Reading* is stupid, and the subject dry : 
Fain would he write, but cannot use the pow'r, 
Chess or backgammon serves to kill the hour. 
At length the pleasures of the day commence, 
And dinner comes to drive all troubles hence; 
Bat when the bottle passes round no more, 
The moments hang more heavy than before. 
With anxious wish he views slow-coming night, 
Till tea and candles bring new scenes to light; 
Then, o'er the cards, with anxious glee he stands, 
Invites a party, and expects good hands : 
For he who vainly lingered out the day, 
Feels hone, and owns activity at play; 
And though reluctant in the morn he rose, 
Yet bed-time finds him thoughtless of repose. 

Hark! how the drum, at midnight, beats to arms, 
And weary seamen suddenly alarms ; 
Snatching their clothes, they with their hammocks rise, 
And gain their Quarters ere the minute liies; 
Nor, idly gaping, ask they what's in sight, 
But cast their guns loose, and prepare to fight. 

With equal speed the officers arise, 
Each first to do his weli-known duty tries, 



M NAVAL FAME. 

Beating to Quarters at Midnight. 

Musters his men, and sees his Quarters clear, 
Five minutes leave them nothing more to fear : 
All clear for action, each reports in turn, 
And now tlie cause of the alarm they learn. 
From gun to gun the wished for news proceeds, 
And hope of gain the love of conquest feeds. 

" A fine large frigate on our starboard bow, 
Won't answer signals; and they say as how 
She steers for Cadiz with a press of sail, 
But we must have her if the wind don't fail." 

Meanwhile their captain marks the stranger's course, 
And strives by judgment to make out her force: 
Though large, a frigate ; he to chase prepares, 
Nor heeds what weight of metal one deck bears. 

" All hands make sail !" Their ready guns they leave, 
And proper orders for the chase receive; 
All canvass set upon the course they steer, 
Which forms an angle, and the chase they near. 

Three lights again upon the Shrouds they bear, 
And send two rockets blazing in the air; 
Though near, the stranger will no notice take, 
Nor show a light, nor any answer make. 

Firm in his strength the able Captain stands, 
To willing seamen issuing commands* 
Summon 'd around, his officers appear, 
And thus his orders for the action hear: 



NAVAL FAME. 



Orders to be observed in Action. 

" Hope bids me think the chase must be a foe, 
But fast we near her and must shortly know; 
It seems she would avoid us by a flight : 
Or p'rhaps intends to make a running fight; 
If so, 'tis ours no random guns to mind, 
Nor idly throw our shot unto the wind, 
With steady course still coolly to pursue, 
Nor fire till we can execution do. 
But if she finds that running won't avail, 
And should heave to, we smartly shorten sail, 
Then, at close quarters, steadily engage, 
And persevere till conquest shall assuage. 
Therefore take care Abeam to point each gun, 
'Tis ours to give directions by the Con ; 
And though to fire when order'd you prepare, 
And Captains of the guns their Laniards bear, 
Reserve your fire till I the order give, 
Be cool to hear, and let attention live ! " 

* She's short'ning sail, and heaving to ! " they cry, 
To shorten sail on board the Fame they fly; 
The weighty courses to the yards they clue, 
And man the braces, ready to heave to : 
To which the proper station'd men attend, 
The rest again unto their guns descend. 

Now ye ! who sleep at home in peace and ease, 
Nor even dream of battles on the seas; 






m NAVAL FAME. 



Preparing to Engage. 



Ere yet the masts and rigging fall a wreck, 
Ere death and carnage stain the well-fought deck; 
View these around, prepar'd your cause to light, 
Mark! mark their coolness! 'tis a noble sight. 

View the main-deck with ev'ry thing cast loose, 
Wads, rammers, sponges, all prepar'd for use. 
See ! fore and aft the larboard guns are mann'd, 
Each with its lanthorn and supplies at hand ; 
While down below, the active boys are seen, 
To bear the powder from the magazine, 
Where, with clos'd light, the Gunner now presides, 
And proper cartridge for each box provides; 
While in the cockpit is the surgeon found, 
For fate prepar'd, his instruments around. 

By easy sail the waiting* chase they near, 
To pass her stern, with able hands they steer ; 
Throughout the ship an awful silence reigns, 
The blood flows quickly in their beating- veins ; 
An anxious hope engages every mind, 
To battle more than amity inclin'd. 

The man who pants not for his country's fame, 
Is lost to virtue and the sense of shame; 
For here, the common parent of us all 
Bears ev'ry claim of those whom dear we call: 
Our father ; mother, sister, sweetheart, wife, 
Religion, friendship — all that's good in life: 



NAVAL FAME. 97 

Feelings of the Crew on going- into Action. 

The whole, united in the single name 
Of Country, ever our support must claim. 

Poor is the soul that could outlive the day 
When honour call'd him, and he shunn'd the fray * 
Poor is the man, who thus could wi&h to live, 
When, to his Country, death would glory give! 

Pardon, oh God! thou righteous judge of all, 
If we obey our Country's sacred call, 
Though ill prepar'd : for Thou didst plant these law*, 
And to Thy mercy we submit our cause! 

Full expectation gives the mind to wait, 
And moments lengthen in the hand of fate. 

Hark ! hark ! he hails ! — « On board the ship Ahoy !" 
" What ship is that ? "— They wait but the reply. 

" This is a ship of the United States,—. 
The Philadelphia; going to the Straits." 

Fell disappointment falls on all around, 
And bursting murmurs o'er the deck resound; 
Swearing, they drop the Laniards from their hands, 
And guns secure, obedient to commands; 
Careless, the wads above the ports they trace, 
And give the useless rammers to their place. 

May that sad day be distant far from light, 

When Britons and Americans shall fight! 

For of the various nations of the earth, 

This I would place next that which g-ate jae birth; 

n 



98 NAVAL FAME. 



Disappointment. 



And those should deem as traitors to our cause, 
Who rudely trespass'd on firm friendship's laws: 
Yet let my Country proper firmness shew, 
Nor from just rights by weak concessions go! 

And you, Americans ! your int'rests learn, 
Nor give your ire in captiousness to burn! 
Let not the past still rankle in the breast, 
For this just truth must ever stand confest; 
From us you rose — your fathers bore our name, 
Our love of freedom and our speech the same: 
And if our int'rests well we understand, 
The world in arms we always may command. 

Let peace and traffic still your minds engage, 
Nor rashly dare a naval war to wage; 
Improve your laws, pursue the better plan, 
And seek to strengthen what your sires began. 
But if with us you break the bond of peace, 
At once your traffic on the seas must cease; 
Within your ports must idle traders lay, 
Their losses great, to discontent a prey ; 
Thus, through your States the seeds of discord sowa, 
Ye shall not long confederacy own ! 

Meanwhile the strangers send a boat on board, 
With such intelligence as they afford; 
The proper forms and compliments they use, 
Then take their leave and these pursue their cruise. 



NAVAL FAME. 



99 



The Cruising Statiou gained.^ 



Onward they fun where early summer smiles* 
And make St. Mary's, of the Western Isles; 
Leaving- the land, a southern course they take* 
But yet forbear Madeira's heights to Make:^ 
Between the two, the given station keep, 
And sail at leisure o'er the trackless deep* 

Here, in close cabins, swarm the winged tribe 
Of common flies, and various course describe* 
By many, these a very pest are thought, 
Who do not own, that all with good is fraught ; 
Nature, still just, to those has given laws* 
And bade their labours aid the common cause* 
When summer's heat descends from azure skies* 
Myriads on myriads from the earth arise. 
Did an all-wise, an over-ruling hand, 
Devoid of use call forth the num'rous band* 
Oh no ! though men in ignorance contend, 
Each creature's labours in advantage end. 
The common flies* whose lives we idly take, 
Perform their task, nor nature's laws forsake; 
In swarms they pass where stagnant Vapours rest, 
And air gains motion, by their labours press'd. 

Here too the turtles, buoyant in the deep, 
With fins extended, on the surface sleep. 






* To make the land, is to see it. 



100 NAVAL FAME. 

Tediousness of Time at Sea. 

Eager, awhile* the sailors feed on these, 
For calipash and novelty can please ? 
Some broil their steaks, with scallops some are found, 
The common coppers with rich soup abound; 
But, whatsoever aldermen may think, 
The sailors shortly from these dainties shrink ; 
Their stomachs cloy'd, they feel no wish for these, 
Far more contented with salt pork and peas. 
Now comes the test and trial of the mind, 
Within the limits of a ship connVd; 
Cut off from all tow'rds which affection bends, 
Thoughts often dwelling- on far absent friends; 
Slow creeps the day, in expectation pass'd, 
And each dull week more tedious than the last; 
Danes and Americans they often speak, 
But now irt vain for Spaniards do they seek; 
Who, in all climates, of the war have beard, 
And thoughts of traffic for awhile deferr'd : 
Each hope is vain; yet such the will of fate, 
The harvest's over, and they came too late. 

Hard is the task, when disappointments swell, 
At peace with others and ourselves to dwell; 
Hard is the task, in indolence to lay, 
And not to yield unto the lure of play ; 
But harder yet the task was ever found, 
When dice loud rattle, and deep play goes round; 



NAVAL FAME. 



101 



An Eveniiiar Sceue at the Mess-table. 



Of changing fortune to withstand the test, 
And curb the passions of the swelling breast. 

In vain Evander would to Warner shew 
The weighty evils which from play must flow, 
Or, by fair words, would lead from love of ease, 
Peril! us now alone the youth can please ; 
Who by his art endeavours to amuse 
His vacant mind, which trifles still pursues, 
Laughs at lewd wit, on idle pleasures bent, 
Till ev'ning finds him o'er the cards intent. 

Around the table messmates now are met, 
Some sit to chat, while others play and bet; 
Perillus, Warner, an invited friend 
With Esculapius, to the cards attend; 
But not, as late, for sixpences they play, 
Or by plain whist would pass the hour away, 
To hazard games each anxious mind attends, 
And modern honour on a card depends. 

The first night-watch the youthful Fidus keeps, 
By easy sail to traverse o'er the deeps ; 
Steady M'Farlane would his Journal write, 
And thus employs the early hour of night. 
While Madden, Herbert, and Evander, talk, 
Owning how fate does expectation balk ; 
On common topics conversation turns, 
And each opinions of the other learns ; 



102 NAVAL FAME, 



Conversation. 



Till distant friends and home attention take, 
And softer feelings of the heart awake ; 
Then come the well-known pleasures of the shore, 
Though unenjoy'd, within remembrance bore : 
For these, when absent, on the feelings press, 
And thus Evander would his thoughts confess, 

** Happy is he, who still on shore can live, 
Where spring and summer all their blessings give; 
Whose frequent thought's on nature's scenes employ'd, 
And social intercourse with life enjoy'd ; 
If chance his lot a middle state to know, 
And prudent marriage bids the feelings glow, 
No other state beneath the sun I see 
So truly bless'd, and from temptation free, 

" What signal blessings wait the British shore, 
Best known to those who other realms explore ! 
No tyrant lords with haughty sway oppress, 

Laws bind the whole, strict justice gives redress; 

And tumble Britons still in these may trust, 

For he is free, who to himself is just." 

To him good Madden would his words address, 

And thus his private sentiments express. 
" Though many years on shipboard I have spent, 

Hop'd for the best, and strove to be content; 

Nor at one time, six months on shore have been, 

Or half the comforts of a landsman seen ; 



NAVAL FAME, 



105 



Conversation. 



Yet I can feel the scenes of which you speak, 

For nature ever will such comforts seek. 

Believe me! I have seriously thought 

Myself most happy, as reflection taught, 

That some years past, in haste, I did not wed, 

As love would have, and inclination led. 

Those who on shore their ready labours lend # 

And to their duty steadily attend, 

May, p'rhaps with ease, a family maintain, 

And hope, in time, a competence to gain; 

But had 1 married at an early day, 

With portion small, and nothing but my pay, 

What sad distress I oftentimes had felt! 

And those I lov'd in misery had dwelt. 

If chance a family had been our lot, 

On shore the wish'd-for blessing of a cot, 

Sadly to me, at sea, the day had stole, 

With bare five shillings to support the whole. 

" I own your thoughts of liberty are just, 
And men on shore the laws may fairly trust; 
For there, good men are from oppression free, 
But let me ask you — Is it so at sea?" 

" No ! no ! " cries Herbert : " I myself have seen 
Too many cases where it has not been ; 
Where love of pow'r and int'rest bore the sway, 
And honest minds were to caprice a prey; 



104 NAVAL FAME. 

On Naval Courts-martial. 

For if they dar'd their sense of right to shew, 
Or bade a manly indignation glow: 
Arrest and terrors strove to raise their fear, 
And future ills from int'rest must appear. 
But should they steadily such threats withstand, 
And public justice in their cause demand, 
Where do they seek? to whom do they apply? 
Are they their equals who the cause must try? 
No! they are men whom pow'r may lead astray, 
Int'rest may bias, friendship may betray; 
For when we find them barely condescend 
To speak to que whom once they call'd their friend ; 
And always herd together when on shore, 
Shunning our look, though intimate before 5 
May we not fear, or readily suppose ? 
Such habits oft on judgment will impose, 
And hasty prejudice of course take place? 
Yes ! all courts-martial shew it is the case." 

" Hold, hold, my friend !" the steady Madden cries ; 
*' Truth oftentimes between two statements lies : 
Four years have we in intimacy been, 
Such haste before in you 1 have not seen: 
For though some courts have err'd, as well we know, 
I'm far from thinking it is always so. 

"I find that those who are accus'd on shore, 
Are tried by men they never saw before; 



NAVAL FAME. 105 

On Naval Court-martial. 

Or if well known, so good are British laws, 
A juror has no int'rest in the cause; 
No hopes, or fears can prejudice the mind, 
Justly he speaks, to Yes or No confin'd, 
Guilty, or Not, as evidence may prove, 
And stated laws all prejudice remove. 

" But in our naval courts it is not so, 
And error may from many causes grow. 
First, we are never by our equals tried, 
For Captains always on the cause decide ; 
And not alone to judge of wrong- and right, 
As truth and evidence may bring to light : 
But oftentimes the punishment award, 
As the majority of wills accord : 
And though a member may to right incline, 
Against his judgment many ills combine. 

" Perhaps the accuser is an able friend, 
On whose support a member may depend; 
A better ship, promotion, or a cruise, 
Or for a son his int ? rest he may use ; 
And not on him alone, but on his friends, 
Whose favour weakens if he here offends: 
Strong motives these within the breast to pleads 
And strive the mind in judgment to mislead, 

But, when inferior officers complain, 
Against their captain, justice to obtain 



106 NAVAL FAME. 

On Naval Courts-martial. 

And seek, in court, to bring ill deeds to light, 
We often find the case is alter'd quite ; 
XntYest and rank for the accus'd contend. 
Ami love of power would his cause defend : 
Illwill and prejudice accusers find* 
Aim! sad remembrance dwells upon the mind, 
Here, the offender by his friends is tried, 
Who to his honour labour to decide : 
For when I coolly bring it to the test, 
Am} strictly mark the motions of my breast; 
I hardly can with prejudice contend, 
And judge between a stranger and my friend. 

" Thus, though a juror may with ease decide. 
And m his judgment men on shore confide; 
Yet members must with prejudice contend, 
And watch, least Men of Power they befriend : 
For well we know that nature is but weak, 
And he must guard, who would in justice speak." 

As when the troubled water s of the deep 
Burst o'er their bounds, alarming those who sleeps 
So headstrong passions, by deep play disturb'd, 
At once breaks forth, no more by reason curb'd: 
Here, hasty Warner and his new-made friend, 
In angry voice at variance contend. 
" I say it was ! " "I say, sir, it was not ! " 
$ I say it was ! and I the game have got X? 



NAVAL FAME. 107 

A sudden Quarrel at Cards. 

" How, sir ! " cries Warner, "dare you doubt my word ? 
"I know Fm right, sir! and I will be heard !" 

" Stay! stay !" cries Madden, " this is something new, 
I must speak here, for this will never do. 
Warner ! be quiet ! nay ! you must be mute, 
And I will shortly settle the dispute. 

" Hear me, Perillus! I have long perceiv'd, 
That you by hope of lucre are deceiv'd; 
You I blame most, who wear the oldest head, 
By whose example others are misled. 
Before you came, we never us'd to play 
For more than we could well afford to pay; 
Time pass'd in quiet, no one made a fuss, 
Or once disturb'd the conversation thus. 
If, once for all, my best advice you take, 
This plan of gaming you will all forsake ; 
But if such folly still must he the case. 
A private cabin is the proper place." 

To whom Perillus, " I want no advice, 
Nor do I see why you should be so nice; 
But as you say that I disturb your talk, 
I'll ease you there, and to my cabin walk. 
Come, sir! and Esculapius! come this way, 
Where no one can take notice how Ave play. 
As to you Warner! knowing it's my right, 
I'll take your bill made payable at sight; 



108 NAVAL FAME. 

True Friendship. 

" Thirty you owe me as the cards have fell, 
What more, — your girl at Portsmouth p'rhaps can tell. ' 

In silent anger stands transfix'd the youth, 
Asham'd his messmates thus should hear the truth; 
Yet more that he such confidence could place 
In one, whom acts of meanness thus disgrace ; 
But in his ire the bill demanded gives, 
Swearing he'll shun such fellows while he lives. 

The rising moon, and stillness of the night, 
Two faithful friends to walk the deck invite ; 
Where Herbert and Evander slowly pace, 
Wishing disturbance from the mind to chase. 
Of scenes below awhile they freely talk, 
According thoughts expressing as they walk; 
But soon of distant objects they converse, 
And pleasing tales of early life rehearse : 
For these, by time, full confidence have gain'd, 
Oft shar'd the pleasures, and of ills complain'd. 

Friendship ! the kiud reliever of our woes, 
No hasty birth, or weak foundation knows; 
True worth and time alone the value give; 
And, virtue wanting, friendship cannot live ! 

Slowly they walk, and future hopes confess, 
Till thus Evander does his friend address: 

" Though oft you speak of home in early days, 
A happy spot, deserving all your praise; 



NAVAL FAME. 109 

Herbert s Story. 

You never told me why that home you left, 
To live on shipboard, of its joys bereft ; 
Sometimes I see, when we of females speak, 
The mark of feeling* steal upon your cheek ; 
Some secret seems your spirits to deject, 
Which yet you leave me only to suspect. " 

Sighing, the youth unto Evander turns, 
Who thus his motives and his feeling's learns: 

" Ask you the cause which tempted me so far 
To leave my home, and join the distant war ? 
A home, where oft I felt a father's care, 
And all the joys he knew, was taught to share; 
Whate'er the griefs which mov'd his manly breast, 
He felt alone, for there he bade them rest. 

Some hundred acres, on a fertile spot, 
To overlook, mark'd out by humble lot ; 
At will I roam'd by labour not oppressed, 
Alternate toil and pleasure courted rest. 

" But where's the state ordain'd by Heaven's decree. 
From every spark of trouble to be free ; 
Or where the heart devoid of nature's fire, 
Which virtuous beauty can't with love inspire? 
My youthful heart had never felt a flame 
Beyond the feelings early friendships claim 
Till on fair Jane my wand'ring eyes I cast, 
Whence rose a flame, my inward peace to blast. 



r, 



110 NAVAL FAME, 

Herbert's Story. 

In vain I strove calm reason to obey, 
Which bade me drive aspiring thoughts away; 
For in her sphere content and blessings rolPd, 
All wants superfluous by the mind control'd; 
But mine was humble, nor beyond the reach 
Of cares which oft humility must teach. 

In absence then I sought to find relief. 
Yet years of absence but increas'd my grief; 
Or rather say, that restless pain which move* 
Within the breast of ev'ry one who loves; 
Yet loving* strives the object to forget, 
The want of fortune having to regret. 
Full oft have I, when silent night hung round, 
Oft, as I linger'd on a foreign ground, 
Oft when the winds impell'd the foaming wave, 
And oft, when duty taught the foe to brave, 
Strove to forget; yet always strove in vain, 
For hopes and fears were ever fix'd on Jane. 
At length it pleas'd the Pow'rs who rule above 
To hear the pray'rs dictated by my love: 
Bestowing peace, they bade us trace once more 
The western sea and seek our native shore. 

High swelPd my bosom leaning tow'rds its home, 
E'en hope and fancy had free will to roam. 
I hop'd that Jane with ardent love would burn, 
And sweetly smile to welcome my return* 



NAVAL FAME. Ill 

His Friend's Reply. 

Delusive thoughts! and Oh! impatience vain! 
Such sudden grief my heart could scarce sustain; 
For e'en the hour which gave me to the shore, 
Taught me to know that I must hope no more; 
That day which bade us safe in harbour ride, 
That day beheld her, Oh ! another's bride ! 

" Ye Pow'rs above ! who gave my heart to bleed, 
Instruct my soul thy lessons well to read; 
Still teach me how each trial's to be borne, 
And turn to good the evils which I mourn ! " 

Silent he stands, with eyes to Heaven rais'd, 
And in his soul Omnipotence is prais'd. 

Jo him his friend : 

" If you through weakness, or a vain desire, 
First felt the flame, and fann'd the kindling* fire, 
Let past experience teach you to be wise, 
-Nor reason's aid, to folly sacrifice ; 
But when such troubles are the will of God, 
9 Tis ours to praise, and meekly bear the rod; 
From whose wise hand correction must be kind, 
Expands the heart and elevates the miacL" 

By either friend kinl solitals is sought, 
For each would give a silent vent to thought; 
Awhile they pace, as warmest feelings glow, 
Then say "Good night," and Herbert goes below* 



112 NAVAL- FAME. 

Reflections at Sea. 

The lucid moon, the silent hour of night, 
To serious thought and solitude invite: 
Gently the breeze upon the water plays, 
Evander, musing', to the gangway strays ; 
Where, as he rests, and dwells upon the view, 
Still by himself amidst the watchful crew, 
Nature's great works his full attention take, 
And thus the feelings of his soul awake. 

" Arotind this globe what wonders may we find, 
Which strike persuasive on the reas'ning mind! 
Behold the glories of this wide expanse, 
And say, if order can proceed from chance, 
Oh no! in truth! one God alone prevails 
Through boundless space, where weak perception fails. 
Still view his wonders of the troubled deep* 
And feel asham'd that gratitude cou Id sleep. 

" How great the service to that Being due, 
Whose constant kindness proves his greatness true. 
Oh ! wherefore say ! to man was reason lent, 
Unless to guide him to some great intent? 
And when, through sin, condemned to death and strife, 
Who died for man, and shew'd the way to life? 

" Tell me, my soul ! why pausest thou at death, 
Is it bare fondness for the human breath? 
Why art thou restless, ever discontent, 
On exaltation more and more intent? 



NAVAL FAME. 113 

Evander's Reflections. 

Why dost thou look for something- yet to come. 
Declaring- loudly,— this is not thy home? 
E'en now I feel thee panting to ascend, 
In firmest faith that life will never end : 
Yes! yes, my soul! thou shalt but sleep to rise, 
And as thy merits, so shall be thy prize ! 

" Oh Thou! Eternal Father of the whole! 
Who in this frame hast plac'd my living soul, 
Permit me oft thy wonders to admire, 
And let devotion still these joys inspire! 
One wish alone, save this, now fills my hearty 
That I, to Emma, may these joys impart !" 

He can no more, by mingled feelings prest^ 
And silent raptures bear the mind to rest* 



END OF THE THIRD CANTO. 



Argument. 

Scenes on Deck in the Night Watch— A Chase in light 
Winds— Distressing Situation in a Calm— Necessity of adopt- 
ing some Plan to Row Men of War — Feelings of the Crew — 
Preparing the Boats— Preparing to Attack and Board— The 
Attack— Boarding— Scenes after Conquest— The Captive pre- 
served—Attention to the Wounded— Burial of the Dead— 
The Reward of Valour — Remarks on Boat Service— The 
Cruise continued — Power misused — Rsmarks on Command — 
Oppression reproved — Tattling reproved — Preparations for 
a Storm— Water-spouts and Calm before the Storm— Accidents 
in a Calm before the Storm— The Rudder washed away- 
Bursting of the Storm— An Address to Landsmen— Consulta- 
tion for Planning a New Rudder — Method of building a 
temporary Rudder — Returning to Port — Evil Consequences 
of Gaming discovered — Distress Relieved— Making the Port— 
The Appeal of Merit— Conclusion. 



I 



NAVAL FAME 



CANTO THE FOURTH. 



Scenes on Deck in the Night Watch. 

Meanwhile, on deck, the careful watch is found, 
Where harmless glee and long-drawn tales go round ; 
Behind the wheel the Quarter-master stands, 
With folded arms and open resting- hands; 
Whose wond'rous tale the after-guard attend, 
Six watches long, but drawing to the end. 

Here steals the youthful midshipman unseen, 
With mouth half-open and attention keen, 
Swallowing stories of the Rippon hulk, 
Where goblins walk, with eyes of frightful bulk; 
Sudden he startles at the sounding bell, 
Nor for a time can he believe all well. 

But on the forecastle a cheerful ring 
Sit at their ease, and ship-made verses sing*, 
Of pot-house scenes, and girls they left on shore, 
Or husbands tame, whose wives the breeches wore. 



116 NAVAL FAME. 



A Chase in liarht Winds. 



Thus flies the night: but at the early dawn, 
When eastern light proclaims the rising morn ; 
Nearly a-head a distant sail is seen; 
As yet, to mark her, must the eye be keen. 
The welcome news the officer soon hears, 
Through whose long glass the object now appears; 
A roguish Cutter, on a wind, he sees, 
All canvass setting to the gentle breeze. 

To make all sail, the watch and idlers cali'd. 
The spreading spanker to the boom is hauPd, 
The gather'd reefs, aloft, they smartly loose, 
And set all canvass that may be of use : 
Fast they gain on her when the breezes blow; 
Xight airs prevail, and their approach is slow. 

But long before the time to rise returns, 
The youthful Herbert with impatience burns; 
On deck he comes, his glass beneath his arm, 
The feeble airs his sanguine hopes alarm; 
Forward he goes, to view the distant chase, 
And for his glass obtains a steady place. 
On the horizon yet no hull is seen, 
For distance gives^ the rippling waves between. 



* Owing to the spherical form of the Earth, only the upper 
part of a distant vessel is seen at Sea. It is calculated that the 
horizon, or level of the water, is about four miles distant from the 



■ * m? j~~ 



<±^ "■iftr-VA 



NAVAL FAME. 



117 



A Chase in light Winds. 



Half in despair, his glass be safely slings, 
And mounts the rigging by slow-taken springs; 
To the fore-yard with little hope be goes, 
Where height the body of the vessel shews : 
There, as he looks, and seeks her force to know, 
He views her oars, on either side a row, 
With we'1-tinrd stroke, beneath the surface dip, 
Sweeping the vessel from the tardy ship. 
Her guns he sees, their numbers cannot learn, 
But views two chasers pointing out a-stern : 
Crowded her deck, a steady course they steer, 
Light-rijrg'd she seems, and like a privateer. 
To bear the news he to the deck descends, 
Where now the Captain to the chase attends; 
To whom, with care, what he has seen he tells, 
And on the subject of her oars he dwells. 

The anxious men their labours gladly lend, 
And to the trimming of the sails attend, 
For on the beam the gentle breezes draw ; 
The yards they brace, and catch at ev'ry flaw; 
To set the stun-sails smartly they prepare, 
And spread light canvass to the feeble air; 



dock, of a frigate; consequently the hull of another frigate would 
not be visible at a distance of more than eight miles; and that of 
a small vessel, as a cutter, at more than five or six. 



118 NAVAL FAME. 

A Chase in light Winds. 

Each swelling* bosom oft is seen to sleep, 
Then flap, cast backward by the moving deep. 

Now fresh'ning airs the yielding canvass swell, 
And fast they gain, as ev'ry eye can tell; 
First, through each glass, as anxiously they gaze, 
They find her hull appearing in the haze, 
Now plainly seen, again it disappears, 
Till less'ning distance well the object clears; 
Then, at each stroke, her sweeps are seen to rise, 
But each declares she must become their prize; 
For waves no more her water-line can screen, 
On the horizon all her hull is seen. 
Thus fast they gain, and with impatience burn, 
Seeing the chas'd prepare their guns a-stern; 
Vaunting they fire, though far their foes behind, 
And give their adverse colours to the wind, 
At sight of which each British bosom glows, 
And each expressions of impatience shews : 
French colours up! the welcome news flies round, 
Anxious to view them ev'ry one is found. 

The far-thrown shot now hissing in the air, 
Here warn the chasers, who their guns prepare 
For use when wanted; steadily they steer, 
Continuing still the flying chase to near: 
Who, at point-blank, their well serv'd guns direct, 
To strike the lofty rigging they expect. 



NAVAL FAME. 119 



Distressing 1 Situation in a Calm. 



Two long twelve-pounders at the stern they ply, 
Whose smart recoil assists them as they fly : 
Here rest their hopes. The chasers gaming slow, 
A steady perseverance only know. 
In either bow a chasing- gun they bear, 
Nine-pounders only, which they here prepare, 
And on the forecastle well forward train, 
But thence no kind assistance they obtain, 
For right a-head they can't be brought to bear 
By near three points: to Yaw they do not dare, 
As every angle must their gain impede, 
And firing forward must decrease the speed. 

Onward they run; though sore the long delay, 
And hard their lot, they cheerfully obey; 
Nor heed the hissing sounds which strike the ear, 
Still firm in danger, nor the slaves of fear; 
But when the shot no more the rigging spare, 
Swearing, they mount, and seek to give repair. 
The swelling jib no more assistance lends, 
The stay is cut, and suddenly descends; 
While far aloft, the fore-top gallant yard 
Is torn away, their progress to retard. 
The tatter'd sails by rending shot are past, 
Fate seems determined all their hopes to blast; 
For eveu while they think she must be theirs, 
And each the prospect of the capture shares, 



120 NAVAL FAME. 

Distressing Situation in a Calm. 

Striking the mast they hear each flapping sail, 
And curse their fortune that the wind should fail. 

The flying Frenchmen thus reliev'd from fear, 
Still ply their oars, and thrice are heard to cheer; 
For now the ship deserted by the breeze, 
Lies like a log upon the tranquil seas; 
No more the helm her stubborn head can guide, 
To bring the chase upon her larboard side: 
Useless her guns, and vain her boasted pow'r, 
The foe exults in this distressing hour. 

In haste, the stern and quarter boats they lower, 
And from each side drag out a pond'rous oar; 
Two, only two, on board the ship they bear, 
The bow and stern their poor assistance share ; 
At either one, eight men apply their strength, 
Yet feel encumber'd by their weight and length, 
To the jib-boom the towing boats apply ; 
To drag her head to starboard, hard they try. 

The flying chase a steady course maintains, 
And fast a distance by the oars she gains; 
But yet some hands, as quickly they retire, 
Attend the guns, upon the boats to fire: 
Nor want success; relentless Fate has wilPd; 
A boat is struck, the midshipman is kilPd; 
And ere the frigate will to starboard pay, 
Her rising shot are idly thrown away: 



NAVAL FAME. 121 

Necessity of adopting some Plan to Row Men of War. 

They cease to fire, and all their ills deplore, 
Viewing the chase they can pursue no more. 

Oh ! speak your feelings ! Ye ! who long have dwelt 
In calmer climes, and disappointments felt! 
Ye who have often lost the long chas'd prize, 
When breezes fail'd beneath the azure skies! 

Hence, dreadful thou ght! at home should breezes fail, 
And rowing legions of the hour avail; 
What anguish dire must British seamen know, 
Becalm'd, unable to engage the foe! 

Be this a mere delusion of the mind, 
And seamen never thus to woe consi<nTd ! 
Yet possibility appears in thought, 
And reason bids a remedy be sought. 

If in my breast such virtue ever dwelt, 
If public welfare I have ever felt, 
Here was the source : for here my mind could rest, 
Effects and causes bringing to the test ; 
In youth's warm hope could strict attention pay, 
Bearing the project on from day to day. 
Oft-times at midnight would new thoughts intrude, 
And on my pillow I the plan pursued : 
Days, weeks, and years, in due attention past, 
This still producing hopes beyond the last. 
If yet I fail, again I will invent, 
On perseverance to success intent ; 



122 NAVAL FAME. 

Necessity of adopting some Plan to Row Men of War. 

That British seamen may possess the pow r r 
To chase and conquer in the calmest hour.^ 

As when the king and father of a land, 
In judgment's pause awhile is seen to stand; 



* At the commencement of the late war, the public attention 
was engaged on the possibility of the enemy's flotilla being able to 
row across the Channel in a calm, or light winds, when our ships 
could not sail to engage them. Without entertaiuiug any fears on 
the subject, the author was induced to admit the possibility, and 
deemed the subject worthy of serions attention. Having conversed 
with many experienced officers and naval mechanics, he found, that 
small vessels and sloops of war were easily rowed by oars or sweeps, 
in the common manner, which is probably most effective. The 
ingenious General Bentham, when under the patronage of the Em- 
press of Russia, tried many experiments to row a Line of battle ship; 
but found none so effective as that of having platforms to the side, 
near the water, on which a great number of men sat, each using 
his own oar or paddle. This plan sufficiently proves the best manner 
of employing manual labour; but it certainly could not be adopted 
where men would be exposed to musketry. Frigates have frequently 
been rowed by sweeps at the port-holes ; but many difficulties and 
inconveniences attend this operation : for which reason, they are 
only furnished with two or four large sweeps, to get the head round 
in a calm. The height of the ports from the water, renders the oar s 
too long, and the heads will catch the beams, while the blades do 
not dip sufficiently deep. The greater part of the guns are rendered 
useless, and the whole ship's company employed at hard labour, 
without relief, where great exertions may be made for a time, but 
the strength must fail. Some substitute therefore appeared necessary; 
the capstan offered a powerful assistance, and one third of a frigate's 
complement of men would work it. After some months' attention, 
and the trial of many plans, a model was completed, adapted to the 
Melpomene frigate, in which the author then served. Liberal notice 
was taken of the plan by the Captain ; and on the introduction of an 



NAVAL FAME. 123 

% i. i ■ — 

Necessity of adoptiug some Plan to Row Men of War. 

The pow'r of peace or war within his hands, 
And faithful subjects waiting* his commands; 
So stands the Man of pow'r, each point to weigh. 
His g-uideless vessel to the calm a prey : 



Admiral it was laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; 
who so far approved the plan, that they submitted it to the inspection 
of the Surveyor of the Navy; directing- the inventor not to leave town 
until his opinion could be obtained. 

At the first interview, and before inspection, the SurveyoB 
declared his decided aversion to all descriptions of machinery, as 
being- less effective than the common mode of using oars ; yet he 
admitted, that unfortunately, there had not been that attention paid to 
rowing ships which ought to have been; and that, on board frigates 
and line of battle ships, oars could not be used effectively in the 
common manner. The plan was left for inspection, as a substitute 
for a superior power which could not be employed. At the expiration 
of a month, a decision was obtained, and the inventor dismissed, with 
an assurance that his plan would be represented as highly creditable 
and ingenious ; but it could not be recommended for adoption, because 
it was machinery, and the power less effective than oars used in the 
common way. Since the above period, objections have been studied, 
and many improvements made. The model has been inspected by 
several Admirals and experienced Officers of the Navy, whose 
opinions were decidedly favourable. Thus stands a plan, the accom- 
plishment of which would procure many solid advantages. Indepen- 
dent of rowing any description of ships in a calm ; it is proposed to 
assist them in light winds, particularly in tacking, and to make them 
more weatherly in a fine breeze. 

The machinery is simple, nor does it interfere with any other 
duty; it only disables three guns on each side, is attended with on 
inconvenience of stowage, and the armourer and carpenter can repair 
any accident. A fair trial might be made on board a frigate of the 
largest class for two hundred pounds, and the inventor takes this 
opportunity of declaring, that the plan and hi* best endeavours are at 
ihe service of his Country. 



124 NAVAL FAME. 

Feelings of the Crew. 

No flaws disturb the surface of the deep, 
And nature seems in silent peace to sleep. 

Not so the deep-gaSTd feelings of the crew, 
Who, by the boats, would fain the chase renew; 
On pensive Madden eager eyes they turn, 
Intent that he their earnest wish should learn : 
These fain would speak, to them he would incline, 
The brave can ever read the brave design; 
Courage and hope the rising prospect cheer, 
To lead and board he stands a volunteer; 
Nor waits reply, the wish'd-for leave he gains, 
And earnest wishes for success obtains. 

As pressing waters, having found a vent, 
At once rush forward to the wish'd descent; 
So, when good Madden stands a volunteer, 
Marines and seamen at his side appear; 
All seek to gain attention at his hands, 
Eager to go wherever he commands. 

The barge and launch unto the deep they cast, 
Whose crews press on, each scorning to be last; 
These, with the cutter, they at once prepare, 
For all departments due attention share. 
Fidus command on board the launch obtains, 
An active mate the smaller cutter gains: 
The well-inann'd barge commanding Madden bears, 
Who sees that each for earnest deeds prepares ; 



NAVAL FAME. 125 

Preparing the Boats. 

With him the youthful Herbert would attend, 
Anxious to fight beside his valued friend : 
These English born; the Mate, Hibernia! thine, 
Fidus, for Scotland, would his arms combine. 

The watching- foes the gaining boats perceive, 
And soon prepare with firmness to receive, 
Eighty and four, the number of the crew. 
Their leader Pirron, to his duty true, 
The hatches covers, giving all to know, 
They must not flinch, or think to get below* 

Ten weighty guns on either side they bear, 
With guarding nets spread high into the air; 
Twelve musketoons approaches point to check, 
Each man his fire-arms loaded on the deck; 
Thus situation must advantage give, 
By strength in numbers confidence must live: 
All points prepaid, four oars alone they row, 
To keep their broadside to the coming foe. 

High in the barge the valiant Madden stands, 
Fifty and eight the number of his hands ; 
His boat the centre, in the line abreast: 
Each one to board where he can do it best; 
All thought of using fire-arms he rejects, 
And ev'ry nerve to well-try 'd swords directs. 
Distant, awhile, upon their oars they lay, 
And due attention to his orders pay; 



12G NAVAL FAME. 

The Attack. 

Thrice o'er tlieir beads they wave their shining blades, 
And falling' sunbeams give extended shades; 
With deep firm voice they thrice are heard to cheer. 
Giving* the foe their veng-eance dire to fear. 

But now no time in idle show they waste* 
All fear of danger from the mind eras'd; 
With steady stroke the lab'ring oars they ply, 
And force collected makes the boats to fly. 

Hark ! how the messengers of death resound ; 
See! see! the shot upon the water bound! 
Whizzing they pass: the Britons cool advance. 
In full defiance to the arms of France. 

Hark! hissing balls of musketry fly past* 
Each moment brings more danger than the last. 
Above the rest is valiant Madden seen* 
Cheering the rowers, and for boarding keen; 
At him they aim; " Fire, rascals, fire!" he cries. 
Brain-struck he falls, and in an instant dies. 
Herbert beholds his friend beyond relief, 
But for the present he suspends his grief; 
Duty and courage full attention call, 
Fast by his side ill-fated seamen fall; 
Waving his sword, " Give way on board I" he cries; 
" Give way, my souls !" the cheering Mate replies. 
Onward they press, nor count the number slain, 
Or hear the cries of those who writhe in pain, , 



NAVAL FAME. 127 

Boarding-. 

Intent alone to conquer or to die, 
To yield their lives, or make opposers fly; 
Springing on board, they ward the fierce-struck blows, 
Divide the nets, and in the contest close : 
Courage and strength the contest dire must end, 
Britannia's sons and Frenchmen here contend. 

Mark ! where bold Pirron deals his weighty blows, 
Whose valiant arm Fate bids the Mate oppose, 
Now they advance, and now again fall back, 
Blade strikes on blade, hack, hack, hack, hack, hack, 

thwack ; 
Struck to the brain the Gallic Captain falls, 
Whose groan of death his hard-press'd crew appals ; 
Slow they give way ; yielding their blood-staiu'd deck, 
Able no more the pressing foe to check ; 
Beneath whose force the brave opposers fall; 
The weak seek shelter, and for quarter call : 
Some, stooping low, beneath the guns would creep, 
While some seek shelter in the buoj ant deep. 

Conquest secur'd, all opposition flown, 
The triple colours due submission own; 
No more the Britons burn with warlike ra<re. 
But other duties all their thoughts enjraire: 
The manly victors, now intent to save, 
Relieve the vanquish'd from a wat'ry grave. 



128 NAVAL FAME. 

Scenes after Conquest. 

And now the captives well secur'd below, 
The barge's loss young 1 Herbert fain would know. 

A scene of woe within the boat he finds, 
And each sad object of the past reminds. 
Stretch'd on the seat he views his valued friend 
In death, which only could their friendship end; 
No more his failings can remembrance find, 
His virtues only press upon the mind; 
Pale is the face, unto the view expos'd, 
Wide gapes the wound, nor are the eyelids clos'd. 
Awhile the friend suspends his half-drawn breath, 
Their souls still seem to commune, e'en in death: 
And as he spreads the colours o'er the dead, 
Supporting which he bravely fought and bled, 
A friendly tear bedews the lifeless cheek, 
And thus in anguish would his feelings speak i 
" Thou dear departed spirit of my friend ! 
*' To regions flown where life shall never end ; 
" May thy example still inspire my heart, 
« That I, like thee, may well perform my part!'* 

Sudden he turns, and seeks to gain relief, 
But finds new objects to increase his grief; 
In death's embrace eight gallant seamen lay, 
To him for help the bleeding wounded pray; 
Some, less disabled, still their bodies raise, 
In silent sorrow on the dead they gaze. 



NAVAL FAMEi 120 

The Captive preserved. 

Full-pressing' nature gives the heart to mourn 
For those in pain, and those from friendship torn J 
But duty calls, vain sorrow to suspend, 
And bids the youth the wounded to attend. 
With care he seeks their bleeding wounds to bind, 
And stanch the stream, by tourniquets confin'd; 
Two, only two, of these are found at hand, 
Four more the bleeding* arteries demand; 
With speed his thought a substitute supplies, 
To stop the current ere the seaman dies. 
A small firm pad of oakum, quickly made, 
Close on the passage of the art'ry laid, 
By narrow strips of canvass tightly bound, 
A steady strain preserv'd in passing round; 
The ends conjoined, a pistol rod he takes, 
Inserts between them, and a purchase makes, 
Which, turn'd right way, affords the wanted strain, 
Benumbs the limb, and lessens much the pain. 

While thus employ 'd a feeble voice he hears, 
In foreign accents, still expressing fears; 
Imploring mercy, and in haste to save, 
Before, in death, he sinks beneath the wave: 
Fear bade him fly, far-spent he now returns, 
Hoping resentment here no longer burns. 

No more the blood from injur'd vessels flows, 
To save the vanquish'd active Herbert goes; 



130 NAVAL FAME. 

The Captive preserved. 

His bending knees rest hard against the side, 

The Frenchman labours, and the waves divide; 

To him the youth his saving arm extends, 

By looks and words encouragement he lends; 

His features mild, firm confidence must give, 

And ev'ry sinew bids the captive live. 

Thus as he strains the supplicant to save, 

And drag his body from the rising wave, 

Forth springs a wounded seaman from the crew, 

Who well the features of the captive knew; 

With nervous arm, and weapon pois'd in air, 

And vengeful looks which say, " For death prepare ! fi 

Urg'd by the past, he seeks for dire redress, 

And thus his words his hasty thoughts express: 

"That villain, sir* to me this wound did give: 

He's in my pow'r, and shall I let him live? 

I saw him fire, and Mr. Madden fall ; 

Oh no! for thus 1*11 be reveng'd for all!" 

" Hold ! hold thy hand !" the youthful Herbert cries, 
Command and mercy beaming in his eyes, 
While, far outstretched, his guarding arm extends 
Above the captive, and his head defends. 
" Hold ! and reflect he did but do his best, 
Like you, and those who brought him to the test; 
Let not the deed our country's cause disgrace, 
For mercy, now, of vengeance should take place ; 



NAVAL FAME. 131 

Attention to the Wounded. 

Let not our colours bear so foul a stain, 

Or Frenchmen say a man was basely slain!" 

The stooping- captive hangs awhile alarm'd, 
But now beholds the threatener disarm' d : 
No more his hand the shining blade extends, 
No more the fierceness of his looks offends; 
Downward he stoops, a helping hand to give. 
And thus their labours bid the captive live* 

The steady Fidus, who command now bears, 
To row the prize towards the ship prepares; 
But first the wounded in the barge are plac'd; 
Whom, for assistance, they bear off in haste. 

In sad suspense and anxiousness of mind 
The time has past with those who staid behind; 
From the high tops the bold attack they view'd, 
And by the eye their conqu'ring friends pursu'd. 
But how can verse their heartfelt grief relate, 
When Herbert tells them of poor Madden's fate; 
That eight brave fellows of the crew are dead, 
And twelve by deep disabling" wounds have bled! 

A spacious birth to these the Captain gives, 
His stock, his wine, and kindness, each receives; 
The dead, lamented, to the ship they bear, 
By ensigns cover' d with religious care : 
Each duty done, at length repose is sought, 
And sleep relieves them from distressing thought* 






132 NAVAL FAME. 

The Reward of Valour. 

At early hour the summon'd crew arise, 
And solemn silence inward grief implies; 
Their Sabbath clothes the steady seamen wear, 
For now the dead the last of duties share. 
Rang'd on the gangway are the bodies seen. 
With decent care, the ensign still their screen; 
While on the deck the serious crew attend, 
And due attention to the service lend; 
A pious awe o'er all the senses steals, 
For each the mourning of attachment feels ; 
And as each body sinks beneath the wave, 
Three volleys honour the departed brave. 

These duties done, one more must still remain, 
The living brave their Captain's thanks obtain; 
The fruits of honour to the heart appeal, 
Silent they bend, and sacred pleasure feel: 
But what they feel, words never can explain, 
Nor have they felt, who have not liv'd to gain. 

Though thus severe a cruiser's loss may prove*, 
Will'd by that fate which ever rests above; 
When Britain's rights for such examples call, 
'Tis brave to fight, and noble thus to fall; 
But when bare thirst of plunder, and for gold,) 
Then death is murder, and each life is sold. 

Say ye! whose voice is absolute in sway, 
Whose words inferiors know but to obey^ 



■mr-^^^^Km^. &&&< 



NAVAL FAME. 133 

Remarks on Boat Service. 

How could you bear to see the wounded bleed, 
Or feel your hearts reproving for the deed '? 
Not Britain's glory would support you now, 
Or laurels won to deck a hero's brow; 
Far other feeling's might delude the mind, 
But satisfaction you could never find ; 
For lo! the voice of conscience will be heard, 
Though by sad artifice the hour's deferr'd ; 
And recollection will set forth to view 
The lost man's kindred, an unhappy few. 
Perchance an aged father, who in youth 
Had often fought for liberty and truth, 
Whose manly heart, now verging on the grave, 
Feels honest pride that this, his son, is brave. 
His mother too, by length of years opprest, 
On this her offspring must for comfort rest; 
But well they know that he, their mutual care, 
With them will freely all his earnings share: 
Alas! for these, no more his hand can save, 
And the sad news must haste them to the grave. 
The ship, no more by calms vexatious bound, 
With canvass swelling to the breeze is found ; 
But first, to man the prize they are intent, 
Which for the present to Madeira's sent, 
Thither the Mate a proper course directs, 
And there the coming- of the ship expects. 



134 NAVAL FAME, 

The Cruise continued. 

Still on the cruise, day slowly follows day, 
And frequent tribute to the dead they pay, 
Whose honour'd mem'ry, to remembrance dear, 
In secret calleth for the friendly tear; 
But as time wears, their sorrow gains relief: 
The weak and idle only, yield to grief. 

Now rising cares their full attention call, 
And ills occur from worthy Madden's fall ; 
As, First Lieutenant now Perillus stands, 
Whose weak ideas press on social bands. 
Haughty, not potent, ignorant, yet proud, 
Fond of command, and in his orders loud ; 
New-fangled modes dissatisfaction give, 
And base oppression bids their murmurs live, 
Ofttimes his messmates of hard deeds complain, 
And speak in censure, yet they speak in vain! 
Their servants always must the deck attend, 
No after-ladder left them to descend; 
Sometimes the gunroom servants he employs, 
And thus, by powV, their feelings he annoys, 
Nor here alone the tyrant's part he plays, 
But o'er the men a brutal power sways; 
The hardy sailors hear his harsh commands, 
Grossly he swears, and blows disgrace his hands $ 
To the Marines, is frequent in the use, 
Of low-liv'd terms, professional abuse ; 



NAVAL FAME. 135 

Remarks on Command. 

Throughout the crew sad discontent appears, 
Good-will and humour yielding unto fears. 

If thus a second can these troubles bring, 
When primals fail, what evils dire must spring! 

Ye rising youths! who look for future fame, 
Mark how oppression must disgrace a name ! 
Nor yet expect promotion lessens care, 
When great responsibility you bear; 
Your former service but for this prepares, 
And with command you but begin your cares: 
For wants and disappointments still are nigh, 
And others' failings will the temper try. 

Be firm! command! yet liberal and just, 
Deserve esteem, and gain respect you must. 
But if you yield to haughtiness and pride, 
And social ties to others are deny'd, 
In haste unjust, and partial your decrees, 
Think not that others will attempt to please : 
For honest minds will here for justice call, 
And loud-tongu'd censure on oppression fall. 

And you, ye parents ! who strong int'rest hold, 
And would your sons were generous and bold; 
Let not your haste to see them rise in life, 
Mislead warm youth, by vanity, to strife; 
One sacred duty to the State you owe, 
By proper means, impartial, this to know, 



136 NAVAL FAME. 

i ' ■ . ■ ...... . 

Oppression reproved. 

That these, your offspring, justly can maintain 
Their country's honour in the post they gain ; 
That these, in prudence, will each duty do, 
Mild to inferiors, and to justice true. 

He, who in youth experience has not learn'd. 
And all the feelings of each state discern'd, 
Can never know to rule with steady hand, 
Nor shall he prove his merit to command. 
But if by weakness he is led astray 
In early life, to vanity a prey, 
By love of pow'r, from deed to deed he's led, 
Till base oppression and confusion spread; 
Throughout the crew half-stifled murmurs heard, 
Complaints by injur'd officers preferred: 
And though strong int'rest may protection give, 
In years to come remembrance sad will live. 

The growing ills the man of pow'r perceives; 
And due attention soon the point receives; 
At once, such conduct he is found to check, 
But yet reproves not on the public deck; 
In private call'd, Perillus now appears, 
And thus the censure of his Captain hears : 

"Mr. Perillus! I have call'd you here, 
To bid your faults on duty to appear. 
First, I lament that you have chang'd the plan, 
So well laid down by that most worthy man, 



m*!*< 



NAVAL FAME. 137 

at 

Oppression reproved. 

Whom you succeeded : for to me it seems 

You'll not promote the service by new schemes. 

One thing 1 I beg', indeed I must insist, 

That you from striking of the men desist; 

If they do wrong, /et punishment ensue, 

But this in steady justice we must do. 

I'm sorry also that you often use 

Reproachful terms, and the Marines abuse. 

Great were the deeds of men whose bosoms bore 

A sense of honour and Vesprit de corps ; 

But men, when tried, but ill perform their part, 

Without the honour of their corps at heart. 

" Much I lament, on various points to find, 
Towards your messmates you are ill inclined; 
You know that it must ever give me pain, 
To hear my men or officers complain, 
And that I always wish to see them live 
In ev'ry comfort I have pow'r to give: 
Therefore, I beg" you will yourself restrain, 
Nor give me further reason to complain." 

Basely insidious, low the caitiff bends, 
And thus the meanness of his words offends: 

" Oh sir ! in time to come, you may depend, 
Against your wishes I will not offend. 
(ls to the officers, sir! could you know 
Jmproper things they often do below, 



138 NAVAL FAME. 

Tattling- reproved. 

Finding such fault, or gambling all the day, 
And losing more than they can ever pay." 

" Hold, sir ! I beg ! I do not wish to know 
What deeds my officers may do below ; 
If to complain you publicly appear, 
You then may speak, and duty bids me hear? 
But accusations privately preferr'd, 
Alike disgrace the hearer and the heard t*' 
The bending fawner he abruptly leaves, 
Who little comfort from his words receives; 
Amongst his messmates no respect he bears, 
But from the whole contemptuous 1 silence shares. 

For many days north-west the breeze has blown> 
And ev'ry hope of further captures flown ; 
For now the time of cruising is expir'd, 
And each of absence from the land is tir'd ; 
Before the breeze, towards south-east they steer, 
Hope bids Madeira's rocky heights appear. 
But ere the wish'd-for land they can descry, 
From the south-east the scud is seen to fly; 
Her pitching bows a counter-swelling meet, 
They fear again upon a wind to beat ; 
For friendly breezes here begin to fail, 
And flapping canvass warns to shorten sail. 
Dark threat'ning clouds a-head are seen to rise, 
Swell rolls on swell, becalm'd the vessel lies! 



■.mz&^^mmm*. tz&ssta 



NAVAL FAME. 139 

Preparations for a Storm. 

With hasty wings the screeching storm-birds fly, 
And seen portentous as the black'ning sky: 
The skilful Captain sees the storm must burst, 
And thus prepares to meet the very worst. 

While some the jibs and stay-sails smoothly stow, 
Clue-garnets well they man on deck below, 
Haul up the courses, which they reef with speed, 
And thus can set them safely if there's need ; 
But lest the mainsail should by chafing fail, 
They man the yard, and hand the weighty sail. 
The spanker brails with care they ably man, 
The lee ones best, as these the canvass span; 
Ease off the sheet, and close haul ev'ry brail, 
Then lodge the useless boom upon the rail. 
To low'r the gaff, and ease the mizen mast, 
They drop the peak, but keep the throat still fast, 
Till horizontal either end appears, 
Then low'r off all, and feel no further fears. 
The topsails next they seek to reef and furl, 
The sheets clued up, the running- haulyards whirl. 
In proper stations yet all hands attend, 
Top-gallant yards and masts on deck they send; 
And now, below all useless top-weight sent, 
The angled storm-sails and the try-sail bent, 
AH slacken'd ropes to steady strain they haul, 
And lie prepar'd to meet the coming squalh 



140 NAVAL FAME. 

Waterspouts and Calm before the Storm. 

Around their heads the vivid lightning- flies, 
Which, e'en at mid-day, dazzles on the eyes; 
Then, instantaneous, bursts the deaf ning peal, 
The ship e'en trembles to her very keel ; 
Wave breaks on wave, the spray they upwards bear, 
Which seems full buoyant in the stagnant air. 

Hark ! where at hand the sudden whirlwinds tear, 
And streams of water to the heavens bear. 
f 6 A spout ! a spout ! a waterspout ! " they cry 2 
To fire the guns on either side they fly, 
Nor wait for orders: each this duty knows, 
Destruction threatened when the waters rose; 
Forth burst the flames, the circling sounds ascend, 
Disturb the air, and make each column bend, 
With dreadful noise the pond'rous waters fall, 
Foam on the flood, and yield relief to all. 

Save to the raging billows of the deep, 
Delusive nature seems in peace to sleep; 
The hollow winds no more the seaman hears, 
But now the bursting of the storm he fears : 
An awful calm! more dreadful than the gale, 
Where mountain-waves the lab 'ring sides assail; 
Lurch after lurch, from side to side they take, 
And dashing waters all the timbers shake. 
Their rolling-tackles quick the topmen hook, 
While some below scarce dare aloft to look; 



naVal fame. ui 

Waterspouts, and Calm before the Storm. 

Secure on deck they grasp a tauten'd rope, 
And view the topmasts wave in dreadful scope; 
While standing thus, aloft in air they go, 
And rising waves the leeward deck o'erflow; 
Then, in their turn, the leeward lurch they take, 
Nor dare their hands the grasping hold forsake. 
The useless helm no more the vessel steers, 
Her guideless head towards the billows veers, 
They meet her bow : from hollows of the deep 
High-rolling waves then bid her mount the steep; 
Towards the clouds her rising head must look, 
The sinking stern apparently forsook ; 
Then, forward plunging, down the steep she sends, 
The stern mounts up, but suddenly descends. 
Mark! with what force the ruthless wheel flies round ; 
What mean those starts, and that distressing sound % 
The leeward helmsman on his face lies prone, 
The grasping steerman o'er the barrel thrown; 
With fractar'd thigh upon the deck he lies, 
His head is hurt, nor has he power to rise; 
Him they bear off: four careful hands attend; 
To guard the future, proper strength they lend. 

From striking waves her smitten bow pays roundj 
Till to their force the guardless stern is found; 
** Crash!" underneath the counter something goes* 
A sea has poop'd her, and the cabin flows; 



142 NAVAL FAME. 

Accidents in a Calm before the Storm. 

A sudden jerk the steady helmsmen feel 
But now no strain they find upon the wheel. 
" The tiller's gone ! " the Quartermaster cries : 
To learn the worst the anxious Master flies; 
The tiller's safe, nor is the tenon sprung-, 
Worse fate attends, the rudder-head is wrung; 
With care and toil the pendant links they gain, 
But soon a wave has snapp'd the starboard chain; 
From side to side the dashing- body thrown, 
Will no confinement of the gudgeons own. 

With dreadful peals the theat'ning storm come od, 
Their ship disabled, and the rudder gone; 
The dark south-east in awful fury scowls. 
Hark! how aloft the bursting tempest howls; 
Each sturdy mast beneath the pressure bends, 
Bearing the vessel on her lee-beam ends. 
Slowly she rights ; the loud-pip'd. hands obey f 
Poor skulkers those, if any wish delay. 

The Captain now the quarter-deck attends, 
And all advantage of experience lends; 
His voice, his coolness, animate the crew, 
In him they trust for what is best to do. 
To set the try-sail, first, his will they learn, 
From breaking waves to keep her shatter'd stem* 
But ere her head unto the wind can get, 
Fore-top-mast stay-sail to its force they setj 



NAVAL FAME. 148 

An Address to Landsmen. 

The main storm-stay-sail, to the haulyards true, 

Then hoist, and give the vessel to lie-to: 

Yet in their hands the sheets and haulyards bear, 

And thus to steer her by these sails prepare. 

The lofty yards, which well-set braces bind, 

They ease with care, and point unto the wind; 

Her larboard side the dashing- waves receives, 

Snug* she lies-to, and thus their doubts f relieves. 

Slow, as they wish, she's found to Forge ahead, 

Nor nears the land, the which alone they dread; 

With lively ease unto the waves she lifts, 

And tow'rds the north before the tempest Drifts, 

With jerking force the useless rudder flies 

From side to side, and hard the framing- tries; 

To give relief, the tiller they unship, 

And when prepared, the rudder coat they rip, 

Hoist up the head, and choak the space with sails, 

The rising 1 rudder of the space avails. 

Whose pond'rous burthen by the waves receiv'd, 

From further danger is the stern reliev'd. 

Hard blows the storm, a dreadful night at hand, 
Their half-wreck'd ship unable to command. 
Yet hardy seamen feel devoid of fear, 
And thank their fate that no Lee shore is near* 
For beyond hope of safety they had been, 
[f on the Lee the dreaded shore was seen. 



144 NAVAL FAME* 

An Address to Landsmen. 

Ye sons of sloth ! who follow fashion's mode, 
Nor dare be active, owning life a load; 
Who, though in ease, to discontent a prey, 
Leave home awhile, and hither bend your way ! 
Mark! how, for you, the hardy seaman braves 
The howling tempest, and the raging waves, 
Where frosts benumb, or fever'd climates burn, 
Take shame! and own how poor is your return? 

Ye worthy sons of Britain! who on shore 
Enjoy repose, nor sea-born ills explore, 
For you, the seamen brave, the stormy deep, 
And guard the land, that you in peace may sleep ; 
For yon, from wives and families they go, 
For you, they give their generous blood to flow. 

Ah ! little do ye know the frequent fears 
Which chill the heart, how faint the hope that cheers, 
When years of absence from their homes they know, 
Arid cares parental bid the feelings glow. 
Or when the youth, in life's full prime, is found 
To single state by ties imperious bound; 
Yielding his wishes, as by prudence led, 
For reason says, " It is a crime to wed ! " 

Think ! landsmen, think ! how sore the time is past, 
When rude dissension blows her bitter blast! 
Where adverse parties can have no retreat, 
But round one table at each meal must meet. 



NAVAL FAME. 145 

Consultation for planning a New Rudder. 

Blame ye the man, with base contentious mind, 
To break the bonds of harmony inclin'd; 
But bless ye him, who bids foul discord cease, 
Makes friends of foes, and messmates sleep in peace. 

Think of the comforts which on shore you meet, 
And feel your hearts with gratitude replete; 
Though great your payments to the State are found, 
Though cares and troubles will in life abound, 
Let not weak murmurs at your lot arise, 
But rather praise ascending to the skies ; 
Still bless the hand which gives you peace at home, 
And own the debt you owe to those who roam ; 
Still bid your Sons the noble path pursue, 
Firm in the cause, to King and Country true! 

Night hangs around, the slacken'd ropes are hauPd ; 
The Captain orders, and the watch is calPd; 
With dripping water yet his cabin flows, 
To go below his officers propose ; 
Where Master, Boatswain, Carpenter, attend, 
The full advantage of their arts to lend ; 
In consultation round the board they stand, 
How best to form a rudder must be plann'd. 



But now their Captain a small model shews, 
And thus the mode of making would disclose, 



140 NAVAL FAME. 

Plan of a New Rudder, 

* *• " "" ■ ' " .. . ' , , : 

Wishing improvements from their thoughts to seek, 
He begs, whatever strikes them, they will speak. 
" To Captain Peckenham is the credit due, 
Who first invented what I hold to view ; 
No plan, I think, can better hopes afford, 
We've all things nearly ready made on board; 
Indeed, the spars it takes are very few, 
And nothing wanted which we cannot do. 

The spare Main-top-mast and Gibboom we take, 
The long Main-piece and other parts to make; 
Also a Cap, and we have one to spare, 
To make it fit the Stern-post is our care; 
These, with some boards, are all that we need take. 
To form a rudder, which you thus must make. 

First, the Main-piece you cut to proper length, 
The heel turn'd upwards for the wanted strength; 
Well bound with hoops; the Fidhole then prepare 
A fitted Tiller of due size to bear. 
The second pieces for the Cap leave room, 
The upper being cut from the Gibboom; 
For length of which, the Stern-post is your guide, 
To make the Cap below the Gudgeon ride ; 
This to secure we should be well intent, 
As thus the rising rudder we prevent. 
Then comes the Cap, which on the Main-piece goes, 
The Topmast remnant at the foot will close. 



NAVAL FAME. 147 

Plan of a New Rudder. 

But let the other parts employ your care* 

While some the forming of the Cap prepare; 

Chang'd end for end, the foremost end you take* 

And give the middle substance to forsake; 

The square to fit the Stern-post ; on each side 

A sloped off hdrn extending as a guide ; 

But if, by chance, too tight the square should fir* 

It's very likely that the cap may split; 

So let a Bolt the danger here secure, 

Abaft the square, hard straining to endure. 

The ready Eyebolts will the first Guies takej 
Which, I believe, of Seven-inch we make ; 
Well serv'd and woulded, p'rhaps a Top-chain past* 
Thus bowse the Cap upon the Stern-post fast. 
Two outer Guies, or Braces, we must reeve, 
The first from fear of parting* to relieve; 
On either side let proper bolts be drove, 
And there the Lanyards of each brace be rove : 
Each guy and brace to midship ports led clear, 
And bows'd well taught, I think we need not fear,; 
The Cap's aft end you well must dubb away, 
And round, to let the moving rudder play. 
The two last pieces the Gibboom will make* 
If not, with ease you can a rough spar take; 
The whole well bolted, if you fairly clinch.; 
With good broad rings> can never warp or flinch* 



148 NAVAL FAME. 

Plan of a New Rudder. 

At proper time your well form'd Cap you ship, 
And at the foot the closing short piece slip ; 
Where proper weight of Ballast must append, 
To make the rudder to its place descend; 
Then on each side the crossing boards you nail, 
Any rough stuff, for it can never fail; 
But if the store room of such stuff is short, 
To hammock boards, or gangways then resort ;, 
Thus labour ends; a rudder you behold, 
For service fit, and very like the old : 
The more I think, the more this plan I like, 
But speak at once, if alterations strike." 

To whom the Carpenter — " Sir! I'm afraid 
We shall want iron when the hoops are made; 
Bolts we must have ; but then, brace-eye-bolts too, 
I fear we shan't get any that will do." 

To this the Master-—" Well Sir! if you please, 
Without more eye-bolts we can do with ease; 
And reeve the braces to the midship bite 
Right round the Cap, well groov'dand stopper'd tight, 
And if we make them of eleven-inch, 
Well serv'd and woulded, they can never flinch. 
The jmies I see must rise, if not the brace, 
To keep the cap up in the proper place ; 
Yet, leading upwards, why they perhaps may work, 
And if they do, they let the rudder jerk; 



NAVAL FAME. 149 

Preparation for Shipping- the Rudder. 

But if the braces were led under all, 

They could not chafe, or yet the copper gall ; 

At each spare hawsehole we may bowse them tight, 

What think you Sir? to me it seems but right." 

To him the Man of Pow'r — " I like your plan, 
For if we choose the Capstan we can man, 
Drag them well taught, and to the Bits belay, 
Well ! then its settled, and be this the way. 

u But now let ev'ry one retire to sleep, 
I mean myself the Middle Watch to keep ; 
That when day breaks you may refresh'd appear, 
Then let activity your labours cheer: 
For none must loiter, or from duty run, 
Nor think of sleeping till the rudder's done." 

Two days they labour and two nights are past, 
The second found still restless as the last; 
But the third morning bids their hopes arise, 
Finish'd on deck a well form'd rudder lies; 
The which, to launch, they to the gangway bear, 
Secure the yards, and tackles well prepare. 

Meanwhile, a gaining distance they have run, 
Though hard the vessel by her sails to Cunn ; 
And now the gale seems quickly to subside, 
Long rolls the swell and easily they ride. 
The guies and braces rightly rove and past, 
Their buoyant labours to the waves they cast; 



150 NAVAL FAME. 

Shipping the Rudder. 

Repelling waters with the force contend. 
Revert the pow'r, and cause it to ascend, 
Hard strikes the rising head against her side. 
The guies all tremble, and the waves divide. 
The floating rudder to the stern they tow, 
And make each brace its proper leading know; 
Assisting guies on various parts they bend, 
4nd from the boom a well lash'd block suspend; 
for here a tackle, at the swell must prize, 
Making the body from the Counter rise. 
The rudderhole again they open wide 
And in the cabin proper strength provide; 
Where the deckbeam a purchase well suspends, 
Which to a staple on the head extends; 
On this with care and steadiness they prize, 
Making the head into the cabin rise; 
Due weight of ballast makes the foot descend, 
But now the tackle on the boom they tend; 
For dashing waters on the rudder play, 
All guies they steady and attention pay, 
Watch the high swell, and seize the time most fit 
To make the cap upon the sternpost sit; 
On either side, a guiding horn there goes, 
They slack the tackle, that the square may close, 
At once the guies and braces they secure, 
And give the cap hard straining to endure: 



NAVAL FAME. 151 

v . . ■ , ' 

Returning to Port. 
- - -* 

The pendant rudder in its place appears, 
Success attends them, and relieves their fears. 

Still, to the head, their anxious thoughts inclin'd, 
To let it move, though properly eonfin'd; 
What yet remains hath due attention shar'd, 
And in the cabin lay all things prepard. 
An anchor-stock in ready halves they And, 
To fit the rudder head now well inclin'd ; 
Spik'd to the deck the weighty pieces lay, 
Each half a circle, where the head must play ; 
Nor have they chose to cut a deep'ning 1 groove, 
Lest that too great a weakener should prove; 
But able Blocks upon the head they nail, 
To bear it up if stretching braces fail : 

The tiller shipp'd, the cabin soon they clear, 
And tackles reeve, by which they hope to steer* 



With ease, they find the well shipp'd rudder play, 
And once more see the govern'd ship obey; 
The joyous hands to make all sail attend, 
And pray the pressing breezes to befriend; 
For now no more against the wind they beat, 
Or seek Madeira, but to port retreat* 

Nine days they run before the steady gale, 
In hope, the comforts of the shore they hail ; 



152 NAVAL FAME, 



Evil consequences of Gaming discovered. 



Fell Scilly's dangers and her rocks appear, 
Gladly they pass, and up the Channel steer. 

Once more the officers at dinner meet, 
And smiling bumpers pass, the land to greet; 
On friends and home in anxious thought they dwell, 
And shore-born pleasures bid the bosom swell. 
But hence by Warner little comfort's sought, 
Who hangs his head, and seems oppress'd in thought ; 
Him they would jest, but answers few receive, 
Yet Esculapius would the youth relieve; 
With whom aside, at proper time, he goes, 
And begs that he his troubles will disclose. 
A while, the youth reluctant seems to pause, 
But thus declares his trouble and the cause. 

" Oh Esculapius ! that I'm wrong I own. 
Yet all my fears I tell to you alone. 
Fool that I was! so easy led astray, 
Losing more money than I well could pay, 
And to that wretch whose meanness I despise; 
I'll lay my life that he at once applies, 
Knowing his enmity will not abate, 
Nor can I think of asking him to wait ; 
And if my agent should the bill refuse, 
My credit's gone, and infamy ensues: 
Then, if you can, say, what is best to do, 
And your advice Til thankfully pursue." 



l$&£.m&>t*r^mm* - •*. -■'zc-irjm 



NAVAL FAME. 153 

Danger of raising Men from servile Situations. 

To whom the friend — " That we were wrong I own, 
So much to gamble, as strong facts have shown. 
We know the man whose archness could mislead, 
And well the meanness of his soul I read ; 
For even when he first propos'd to lend 
His ready cash, and seem'd an open friend, 
'Twas but an obligation to confer, 
And meant from future censure to deter. 
You know his story! there's a man, I'm told, 
On board, who can the upstart's tale unfold; 
For well he knew him, but a few years past, 
A captain's servant of the lowest class, 
The common dish-wash, then his steward made, 
Where servile conduct and mean tales repaid ; 
Thus he got on, though others were to blame, 
And now his deeds his origin proclaim. 
He who would raise the humble from their state, 
Must train their feelings to their better fate ; 
And well should mark that proper thoughts they bear, 
Lest they disgrace the better clothes they wear. 
But thanks to fortune, we shall soon be free, 
With us, I know, he goes no more to sea. 
u As to myself, I never more will play, 
Or yield my mind to avarice a prey; 
And glad I am to find that you now see 
Your former errors, from delusion free: 



154 NAVAL FAME. 

Distress Relieved, 

Yet whatsoever pleasure hence I feel, 

I've one much greater, which I now reveal. 

" You recollect, on that unlucky night 
You gave the bill, Perillus did invite 
Myself and others privately to play, 
And sums then lost did tempt me to obey. 
Late Ave sat up; at last my fortune tum'd; 
Perillus lost, whose baseness we discern'd; 
I caught him cheating, so my winnings took, 
And from that hour his company forsook: 
Here is your bill! now let the prospect cheer* 
For thus I tear it to relieve your fear. 
What I had lost, you shall to me repay, 
As best may suit you on a future day; 
The rest is nothing: but you recollect, 
If still you gamble, payment I expect. " 

Amaz'd, the youth his grateful thanks returns, 
And thus the friend his good intentions learns: 

" To you and good Evander I must own 
The debts I owe, who have my errors shown ; 
You cure a gambler; he, an arrant rake, 
For well his reason could my shame awake; 
No more in guilty errors I proceed, 
Or the poor Mary to her ruin lead: 
What I can spare, I freely will bestow, 
4nd bid the girl her real welfare know.* 



'.» ^arv^« 



— - 



NAVAL FAME. 155 

Returning to Port. 

From beaming eyes expressive pleasure steals, 
Their hands unite, and friendship thus appeals; 
For he, whose conduct has the youth reclaim'd, 
Feels joy to find him of the past asham'd. 

But now, on deck, they find their port in sight, 
And charming- prospects of the Isle of Wight; 
Each one ascends, and tries his well-set glass, 
Eager to view the landscapes as they pass. 

But who can speak the transports which he feels, 
The lively joy which o'er his senses steals, 
When first, returning from a lengthen'd cruise, 
In promenade the British Fair he views; 
When worth and beauty to the heart appeal, 
And social ties upon remembrance steal! 
For nature, just, hath by our feelings shown, 
Man was not born to live with man alone. 

Now ye of pow'r! who guide the naval helm, 
Lords of the men who guard the British realm; 
Mark! how, on you, deserving merit waits, 
And hope of justice youthful hearts elates. 
Yes! let reward on valour still attend, 
Weigh well the claim, and merit yet befriend. 
Oh! give the heart in manly pride to glow, 
That this, their Country, should their conduct know f 
Let public praise give honour to the dead, 
And bid the mourner raise $e drooping head! 



rl 



156 NAVAL FAME. 

The Appeal of Merit. 

But should yovi here false policy pursue, 
Of which, we trust the instances are few; 
And strive the price of victory to hide, 
Setting" the claims of merit far aside; 
Think ! think ! how galling to the youthful heart, 
Such silence bears on each who bore a part: 
Think! how neglect must lessen youthful zeal, 
And mark how Public Welfare must appeal ! 

Mark well, ye landsmen, the reward these gain 
For all their toil, anxiety and pain: 
Their sanguine hopes, in airy visions flown, 
Their dear-bought capture, yet, but half their own >; 
Her safety doubtful : but if this they share, 
How small a trifle will attend their care! 

Towards S pithead a proper course they steer, 
And gentle breezes give the port to near; 
Onward they glide, until a birth is found, 
Then give the pond'rous anchor to the ground. 
With anxious minds their native shore they gain, 
The public news and letters to obtain; 
Where each in thought, his future plans pursues, 
And hope casts anchor on another cruise. 

As the light vane upon the lofty mast 
Still at the mercy of the wind is cast ; 
From east to west, from north to south it goes, 
for ever changing with the breeze which blows; 



?BBPU 



NAVAL FAME. 



157 



Conchision. 



So man, oft times, as little firmness shows, 
Joy or despair from very trifles flows. 

Youth hopes too much and failures bring their cares, 
Years bring" cold caution, and old age despairs; 
To mortal man this truth is render'd plain, 
All hopes of lasting happiness are vain, 
While to this life his thoughts are all inelin'd, 
For lo ! the soul will not be thus confin'd ; 
To higher flights her energies direct, 
And all deceptions of the world reject: 
The virtuous hope, the wicked die in fear, 
For each believes he shall again appear. 

He who would live from mental evils free, 
Must never tempt the troubles of the sea; 
But he who would to Naval Honours rise, 
Must brave the whole, and nobly earn the prize. 



FINIS, 



THE AUTHORS ADDRESS 



Ye Youths! who fain would naval duties learn; 
Comrades of old ! who for employment burn ; 
Ye Naval Men! who weather'd out each storm, 
And brav'd grim death in each terrific form; 



158 NAVAL FAM& 

The Author's Address. 

■ V - 

Ye gallant Soldiers of the British Line ! 

Whose glorious deeds in brightest annals shine * 

Ye worthy Britons! who in calm repose, 

Enjoy the peace which from their conquests flows* 

As here the labours of the nautic muse, 

Describe a Frigate on a western cruise: 

From past experience her advice to give* 

And bid the path to Naval Honours live; 

If now assisted by a friendly gale, 

And due encouragement at length should hailj 

To higher flights her energies aspire, 

And higher themes awake her nautic lyre. 

To mark the rise and progress of the flame 
Which forms the basis of our Naval Fame. 
When ancient Britons first row'd round their shore? 
And stones and arrows form'd their naval store. 
To mark the change when first the cannon roar'd 
From clumsy barks, with shot of marble stor'd : 
A change as great in warfare we may deem, 
As though we now should learn to fight by steam. 
To mark the progress of the nautic art, 
Who first, by compass, dar'd from land depart^ 
Till our brave Drake the British flag unfurl'd 
In ev'ry clime, and sail'd around the world. 

To take a leaf from the historic page, 
And shew the rising spirit of the age^ 



■** 



NAVAL FAMJE. 1-5SI 

The Author's Address. 

When Drake and Howard, Spain's Armada beat* 
And made the world respect a British fleet. 

How, with few hands, by storm, our gal J ant Rookfc 
Surpris'd the Dons, and thus Gibraltar took* 

For Porto Bello, and intrinsic worth, 
The honest Vernon still must live on earth. 

To shew great Anson's persevering mind, 
Through loss of health and evil pow'rs combined; 
How his brave soul could ev'ry ill suppress, 
And gain'd reward by meriting success. 

To count the victories by Rodney gain'd j 
And Dogger Bank by Parker brave obtain'd. 

To tell of Howe, the glorious First of June* 
And then in turn her willing harp attune, 
To sing of Jervis, all his triumphs shew, 
And how St. Vincent bade our welfare flow. 

Of gallant Duncan and his faithful fleets 
The muse must sing, who did the Dutch defeat. 

Of active Warren, and his squadron light, 
The muse will speak with glee and high delight* 

Nor must Sir Sidney Smith be here fonrot, 
To whom fate gave the enviable lot, 
On Egypt's shore, to give the first defeat 
To Bonaparte, and make him know retreat* 

But how shall verse in nautic strains relate, 
A Nelson's glories and a Nelson's fate! 



160 NAVAL FAME. 

The Author's Address. 

.. , . „. , , , , ., i 

— Oh Yes! there's inspiration in the thought, 
That though she never under Nelson fought; 
And lost the glory of Trafalgar's day, 
Though near the fleet upon her forward way* 
The rising dawn which did succeed the fight, 
Gave her a grand, and Oh! a glorious sight; 
The British Fleet in safety from the gale, 
O'er whose experience it could not prevail; 
"VJhile far around the ships of France and Spain 
Lay conquer'd logs upon the boistrous main.^-" 

The hearty Strachan well will grace the book, 
Who the four runners from Trafalgar took; 
And pleas'd John Bull, to hear with what delight 
He met the foe, and won the equal fight. 

For gallant Saumerz must a page be found, 
On Gib's old Rock with Naval Honours crown'd; 



* The Melpomene Frigate, on board of which the Author 
then commanded the Marines, found herself in the middle of the 
Fleet on the morning of the twenty second of October. When tfee 
day broke, her signal was made, to take possession of several of the 
enemy's ships, struck, but not taken possession of; in which ser- 
vice, in communicating the Admiral's orders to the fleet, in saving 
the prisoners, and in destroying the prizes, to prevent their again 
falling into the hands of the enemy, essential service was rendered 
by the skill and perseverance of Captain Robert Dudley Oliver ; who 
was now appointed to the command of the Mars ; Captain Peter Parker 
being Posted from the Weazel Brig into the Melpomene, for his active 
service in the Fleet. 



NAVAL FAME, 



161 



Postscript. 



Which pleasing scene the muse delighted saw, 
And inspiration from the thought must draw. 

For old Marengo and the tight Belle Poule, 
A useful lesson in our naval school, 
Sir Harry Burrard Neale must have a place, 
Though all the squadron to the foe gave chase. 

These are the themes which now the muse inspire. 
With bolder notes to strike her nautic lyre; 
For acts of valour to reserve a place, 
And bid great deeds an Epic Poem grace; 
In single actions to declare each name 
Which gave a laurel to our Naval Fame: 
Thus in the cause, the youthful breast to fire^ 
And move the Son to imitate the Sire. 



POSTSCRIPT. 

The Author respectfully states his intention to 
write an Epic Poem upon the above Outline, under the 
title of "THE BRITISH NAVY;" and will feel par- 
ticularly obliged by authentic communications of par- 
ticular actions, distinguished conduct, and interesting 
anecdotes, to be introduced in the Poem, or by Note. 

Communications addressed— Lieutenant Gascoigne, 
37, Craven Street, Strand; or Emma's Cottage, 
Warwick; will be thankfully received. 



r 



INDEX 

OF 

NAUTICAL TERMS & PHRASES, 

USED IN 

THE SECOND EDITION OF 

GASCOIGNES 
PATH TO NAVAL FAME. 



Aback — The situation of the sails when pressed back 
against the masts by a contrary or foul wind. 

"All aback forward" page 54. — The ship is 
here described as being taken aback by a sudden 
change in the wind; notice being given by the 
Boatswain, from the forecastle, to the officer car- 
rying on the duty upon the quarter deck; who 
orders the course to be changed, and the yards to 
be braced up, so as to bring the wind to blow 
again upon the after sides of the sails. 

Abaft or Aft — Towards the stern, behind. 

Abeam — Opposite the centre of the ship's side. The 
Beams of a ship lay across, or from side to side ; 
hence many terms are derived, as — Breadth of 
Beam — Before the Beam — Upon the Beam — 
Abaft the Beam — A ship is said to be on her 
beam ends, when she lays on her lee side, go as 
to make the beams point downwards. 

" Each sturdy mast beneath 4he pressure bendg, 
" Bearing the vessel on b*r Lee-beam ends" 

About— Vide Tack. 



164 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Adrift — Cast loose — to cast adrift — to loosen or untie, 

After guard — A division of the watch attending abaft. 

After sails, yards, and braces — Those attached to 
the main and mizen masts. 

Ahead — Before the ship, or in the course steered. 

" Nearly ahead a distant sail is seen."' 

All hands — All the crew, in distinction from the watch. 

" All hands up anchor ! loud he pipes and cries." 

The Boatswain is here described as calling all 
hands to weigh or get up the anchor. The ordi- 
nary duties of a ship are usually carried on by the 
watch, or one third of the crew ; but on particular 
occasions, all hands are required. The duty for 
which they are wanted being named, each man 
repairs to his known station, with that alacrity 
and precision which so pointedly mark a well 
regulated man of war. 

Amid ship — In the middle from head to stern, or 
between the sides. 

Anchor — A ponderous instrument of wrought iron, 
having a strong shaft with two flukes or crooks 
at one end, and a wooden stock at the other, the 
cable being made fast to a ring at this end. When 
the anchor is let go, it falls to the bottom, and the 
stock being fixed in a transverse position to the 
flukes, causes cue of them to enter the ground and 
hold the ship. Ships usually ca^ four anchors, 
called— the Ketige— small Bower- ,^ Bower— 
and Sheet Anchor; hence many terms arise — a? 

« Hope, the Sheet Anchor of life, &c." 



NAVAL FAME. 165 



Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

■ ■■,„",,' ' ., ' 3 = 



Astern — Behind the ship— To drop astern, signifies 
to be left behind. 

A thwart — A cross. 

Avast — Have or make fast — cease hauling— stop. 

Backstays — Strong ropes led to the heads of the 
several masts to secure them. 

]$ars — Of the Capstan, which see. 

Barrel — « The grasping Steersman o'er the barrel thrown." 

The center or barrel of the wheel upon deck, 
round which the tiller ropes are wound, which 
leading down to the head of the tiller below, and 
the other end of the tiller being* fixed in the rud- 
der at the stern, the ship is thus steered by turning 
the wheel as ordered. 

Beam-~ Vide Abeam. 

Bearings — The situation or direction of any place or 
object taken by the compass or view. 

Beating or Turning to Windward — The operation of 
making progress against the wind, by zig-zag or 
transverse courses-^-Vide Tack. 

" With easy helm a steady course he makes, 

" Close at the wind, but ne'er the canvass shakes." 

Vide page *% 

Belay — To make fast a rope ; to cease hauling ox- 
doing any thing. 

Bells — " At Seven Bells the Midshipmen attend." 

Time is denoted on board of ship by half-hour 
glasses, the bell being struck once for each half- 
hour during each watch of four hours; seven 



166 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

bells, in the forenoon watch, therefore denotes 
half-past eleven. 

Below — Not upon deck, generally used to distinguish 
those on watch upon deck, and those off watch, 
or down below. 

Bend — To bring to, or make fast — Bending Sails sig- 
nifies to bring the sails to the yards and make 
them fast. 

Bends — The black varnished part of a ship's side 
between the copper and the port holes. 

Best Botcer—See Cable. 

Binnacle—The frame in which the compasses are kept 
on deck. 

BlVtJl — " Onward they glide until a birth is found, 

" Then give their pond'rous anchor to the ground.** 

The place where a ship rides at anchor — the 
space allotted to each mess or hammock — the 
proper place for any thing, 

Bits — « Drag them well taught, and to the Bits belay." 

A strong frame in the fore part of the ship to 
make the cable or any thing fast to. 

Bine Peter — A blue flag pierced white in the centre, 

hoisted at the foretopmast head as a signal for 

sailing. 
Blocks — Single, double, and treble, with sheaves and 

pins in their centres, forming a multiplying power 

or tackle. 
$ ow — The round part of a ship near the head. 



NAVAL FAME. 167 

Index of Nautioal Terms and Phrases. 

Bowlines — Small ropes attached to the Leeches or 
sides of the sails, to bowse or draw the weather 
side forward when sailing upon a wind, that 
is, beating* to windward. 

Bowse — To drag or haul tight. 

Bowsprit — The mast which projects from the ship's 
head. 

Braces — Ropes rove through blocks attached to the 
arms of the yards, to brace them round, so that 
the position of the sails may correspond with the 
direction of the wind , and the ship's course. Hence 
arise several terms — Brace up, to brace the yards 
up as much as possible, when sailing upon a wind. 

" And brace Abox, to make her cast right way." 

To brace the head sails flat aback, to make the 
ship cast or turn the way required. 

Brails — Small ropes to clue or haul up certain sails. 

Breadth of Beam — Extreme breadth of a ship. 

Breastrope — « The Breastrope trusting while the lead he heaves.'* 

The leadsman stands upon the spare yard 
attached to the main-chains on either side of the 
ship ; having a rope made fast at both ends to the 
side, against which he leans, so as to hang* over 
the water, and let the plummet or lead swing clear. 

Bring to — To come to an anchor, to place any thing. 

Bulwark — The upper part of a ship's side, where the 
hammocks are stowed in the day time, and for 
defence in action. 



168 NAVAL FAME, 



Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Sknt lines — " The weighty Courses from their arms they cast. 
" Cluegarnets, Buntlines, for the present fast." 

Lines made fast to the foot of a sail in the 
middle, to clue or haul it up by. 
Bumpkin — A piece of timber projecting from the Bow, 
to which the Foretack, or weather corner of the 
Foresail is led. 

JBuoy — tl The closing- Buoy upon the water plays, 

" And watching still shows where the anchor lays. 1 ' 

A small cask attached by a line to the anchor 
to shew where it lays. 

By the deep Nine — The Leadsman's call to the pilot, 
denoting that the depth of water is nine fathoms. 

Cable — A strong rope made fast to an anchor, a ship 
beino* held, by one, two, and sometimes three 
anchors.— The cable of a Frigate, is 320 yards 
long, and 18 inches in circumference, containing 
1576 yarns or threads, in the three strands, and 
weighs 52 cwt. 

Call — " His silver Call the Boatswain now prepares, 
" Which by a chain around his neck he wears. 1 ' 

The pipe used by the Boatswain and his Mates. 
Certain sounds being established for different 
duties, the repetition of orders is rendered unneces- 
sary, and the duty carried on with that silence and 
regularity which much surprise landsmen. 

Call the Watch— This is done every four hours, to 
relieve those on deck, and occasionally at other 
times. 

" To Call the Watch, on deck they now prepare, 
« That some the comforts of Below may share." 



NAVAL FAME. 



Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Cap — A heavy block of wood placed at the heads of 
the lower masts, having a round hole in the 
projecting part, through which the Top-mast is 
hoisted and made fast at the heel, or lower end. 

Capstan — A strong circular purchase placed nearly in 
the centre of the ship, to heave or drag up the 
anchor. The head of the capstan is on the Quar- 
ter-deck ; having a drum or head, with twelve 
holes in it; in this the bars are fixed, against 
which the men place their breasts, and heave or 
shove it round. The barrel or lower part of the 
Capstan is on the Main-deck, round which a 
strong rope is wound, called the Messenger; 
led to the forepart of the deck, and bound to 
the cable, which is thus dragged in board by- 
heaving round the capstan. 

Cat — A strong tackle for hoisting the anchor. 

Cat head — A timber projecting from the Bow, with 
strong sheeves for hoisting up the flukes of the 
anchor, by a tackle called the Catfall. 

Cat O Ninetails — May you never feel it* 

Caterer — The officer or member who provides the sea 
store of prvisions, and regulates the mess — One 
who is often found fault with ; particularly when 
the Fresh Grub is all gone, and he has only Salt. 
Junk to give them. 

Cast-*~To veer or turn the ship's head. 

Cleets — Pins or blocks with arms, round which ropes 
are wound and made fast, or belayed 

Cluegarnets — Tackles extending from the yards to the 



17Q NAVAL FAME. 



Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 



corners of the lower sails, or courses, to haul them 
up by. 

Coil — The position in which the ropes are wound 
round upon the deck, or the cables down below. 

Come to — To anchor — To bring the ship close to the 
wind, and sail as near the point from which the 
wind blows as may be ; this is about six points. 

Compass — Or Magnet, by which the ship is steered. 
Vide page 68. 

Cot — A narrow hanging bed used by Officers, and 
differing from a hammock by having* a frame t© 
extend it. 

Course — The direction of the ship. 

Courses — The Fore and Main sails. 

Counter — The round part of a ship under the Quarter 
and Stern. 

Cunn or Conn — To direct the steering of the ship. 
This is visually done by old seamen stiled Quar- 
ter-masters, but occasionally by the Pilot, Master, 
Officer of the Watch, First Lieutenant, or Captain. 
The guns being pointed in a direct line, or Abeam, 
the firing is directed by the Conn or Cunn : this 
is common in action. 

Cutter — A small fast sailing vessel — a boat. 

Deck Stopper — A strong rope, made fast on the fore- 
part of the main-deck to hold the cable fast. 

Dogvain — An instrument made of feathers, placed on 
the side of the Quarter-deck, to shew how the 
>vind blows. 



NAVAL FAME. 171 



Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 



Doivnhaul — A rope to haul down the Jibbs and 
Staysails. 

Drift — " And drift to leeward under close reeft sails." 

The course in which a ship drives to leeward 
before the wind in a storm, or when laying' to ; 
also called Leeway. — Losing ground. 

Earrings — Rings and ropes by which the sides of the 
sails or reefs are hauled out to the Yard-arms. 

Falls — Tackles by which the anchors, &c. are hoisted. 

Fetch — To reach, to make, briug in view, arrive at. 

Fish — A strong tackle with a hook, by which the 
flukes of the anchor are caught and hoisted., 

Flukes of the Anchor — The crooked parts of the 
anchor with broad points which enter the mud or 
ground and hold fast. 

Fore and Aft — Along the ship, or from head to stern, 
used in opposition to Athwart — ship, from side 
to side. 

Forge a Head — Motion forward. 

Foul — Entangled — To run foul, to run against. 

Free — A ship is said to sail free, or off the wind, 
when the course is more than six points from the 
point whence the wind blows. s 

Furl — " And furl the cauvass with a smooth tanght skin." 

To roll up the sails and stow them away neatly 
upon their respective yards. 

Gajf—A Boom which spreads and hoists the head of 
the Spanker; the outer end is called the Peak, 
where the Ensign is hoisted. 



172 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases, 

Gaskets — Ropes passed or bound round the sails 
when furled. 

Gone-*- Carried away, broken. 

Grow — A term applied to the cable to denote position. 

Gudgeons-^-Cl&mips of copper secured to the sternpost, 
having- a strong shank with an eye in the centre 
of each to receive a corresponding pin attached to 
the rudder, by which it hangs and turns. 

Gunroom — The afterpart of the third deck in a Frigate* 
where the Officers mess, having their cabins on 
each side; including the three Lieutenants, the 
Master, two Lieutenants of Marines, Purser, and 
Surgeon, 

Half' Topsails under — About twelve miles distant; 
the Hulk, Courses, and half the Topsails being 
below the horizon. 

JIand — » But lest the Main-sail should by chafing- fail, 

" They mann the yard, and Hand the weighty sail. 1 ' 

This term signifies to furl, being particularly 
applied to the Courses, or Fore and Main sails. 

Hammocks — The sailor's beds and bedding; here 
described as hastily lashed up, and taken on deck, 
to stow as a bulwark. 

Hands — All hands^ — the whole crew. 

Hatchways-^ Openings in the decks for descending. 

Haul— -To pull or bowse at a rope. 

Haiti yards^Tackles to hoist the yards and sails by, 

Hawselioles — Round holes at the ship's head, through 
which the cables pass. 



^AVAL FAME. 173 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases, 

Head sails, Braces, #rc. — Those attached to the 
Fore-mast. 

Head way — Motion forward. 

Heave — To cast or throw, as Heaving- the Lead — 
also to drag, prize, or purchase, as Heaving up 
the anchor. 

Heave-to — To stay the ship's progress, by bracing 
certain sails, usually the Maintop-sail, so thd| 
the wind will press them back against the mast, 
and counteract the other sails which impel the 
ship forward. 

Heel — To lean, or lay on one side. 

Helm — The wheel, &c. by which the ship is steered. 
Go to the Helm!— that is, take the wheel and 
steer— The Helm's Amid-ship ! — that is, even or 
straight— The Helm's Alee!— turned to leeward, 
to make the ship's head go to windward — Hard 
a Starboard, to the right hand— Hard a Port, to 
the left. 

Hoist— To raise the sails, &c. by hauling the haul- 
yards or tackles. 

Home — " They give them notice when the sheets are home." 

Drawn or dragged to the proper point. 
Holly stone^-A heavy stone for scrubbing the decks. 
Hove well Shorts— The position of the ship, when 
dragged by the capstan nearly over her anchor. 

Hulk—The body of a ship without the masts and 
rigging. 

Idlers— Those who do not keep watch, as the Marine 
Officers, Purser, Surgeon, &c. 



174 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Jibbs — The Jibb and Flying* Jibb — Angular sails set 
between the Jibbooms and Foremast. 

Jihbooms — Spars running out beyond the Bowsprit t« 

extend the Jibbs. 
Junk — Old rope-yarns — Salt provisions. 
Keel — The strong timber in the centre of the ship's 

bottom. 
Laniards — Small cords. " Laniards of the guns," 

are cords attached to the locks, held ready to 

fire when ordered. 
Larboard — The left hand side. 
Lead — The Hand Lead, and the Deep Sea Lead — 

Plummets used to ascertain the depth of water. 

Leeches — The ropes at the foot or bottom of the sails. 

Leeward— The contrary side to that from whence 
the wind blows; to which a ship drifts before 
the force of the wind in a storm, when little 
sail is set; or when laying-to. 

" For beyond hope of safety they had been, 
" If on their Lee the dreaded shore was seen." 

Leeway — The lateral or side movement of a ship, 

when drifting to leeward out of her course. 
Z?*/h— Tackles by which the yards are suspended 

to their respective masts. 
Logboard—A board on which the Officer of the 

Watch, or Midshipman make minutes. 
Logbook — The journal of the ship's proceedings, 

courses, Sec. kept by the Master. 
Logline — An instrument by which the rate of sailing 

is measured every half hour. 



i-m--*Mrr^*^~* --vlta 



NAVAL FAME. 175 

Index of Nautical Terms aud Phrases. 

Lubber — Not a seaman, inexperienced, idle. 

Luff— To hug-, or keep the ship close to the wind. 

Luners— Method of ascertaining- the Longitude, by ob- 
servations of the Moon and a correct time-piece. 

Lurch — The rolling of the ship from side to side, or 
laying- on one side by a sudden squall. 

Mann — To place men, as — At the Capstan. To put 
men on board a ship or boat, as — Mann the 
Barge ! 

Main-chains — The Chains are strong platforms se- 
cured to the ship's sfdes, opposite the Fore, Main, 
and Mizzen Masts, to which the Shrouds and 
Backstays are secured, leading- from thence to 
the heads of the masts. 

Messenger — Vide Capstan. 

Moored — Ridino- at anchor with two anchors down. 
Nippers— Platted cords, used for binding the Cable 
and Messenger together when heavinsr the anchor. 

Oakum — Old ropes picked to pieces, to stop, er 
caulk, the seams with; or to make ropes again, 
called Twicelaid. 

Pay-round — To veer, to turn the ship's head. 

Paul— A bar of iron attached to the capstan, which 
slips into a bed, and prevents its running back. 

Pendant — A long streamer, carried at the main royal 
mast head, by Men of War. 

Points — Small cords placed in divisions of the sails 
to reef or reduce them. 

Poop — A short upper deck at the stern of large 



176 NAVAL FAME. 



Index of Nautical Term* and Phrases. 

ships. A Frigate has no poop, but is said to 

be pooped, when a wave strikes the stern and 

washes on board. 
Port—A term used in steering, opposed to Starboard 

—Port the Helm ! — to make the ship's head turn 

to Starboard or the right hand. 
Quarters — The station of each man in action. — The 

round part of a ship towards the stern. 
Quarter-masters— Old seamen, generally employed in 

Cunning or directing the steering of the ship. 
Beckoning— An exact account kept of the ship'* 

courses and progress. 
Reefs— Divisions in the sails, by which they are 

reduced or enlarged at pleasure. 
Reeve— To run through, make fast. 
Rudder-head— The upper part of the Rudder, where 

the Tiller enters — this is carried away, or broken, 

in a storm. 
Rights — " Slowly she rights," — or comes to her pro- 
per position, after being borne down on her 

side by the violence of the wind— Right the 

Helm! — bring it amidship, or in the centre — 

Right Ahead !— before the ship. 
Rim— A railing round the platforms or tops, at the 

heads of the lower masts. 
Round in — To draw in. 

R un — That part of a ship which is under water. 
Scuttle — A small hole in the ship's side, to admit air 

or light; having a strong glass, or bull's eye, and 

a barricade to close in bad weather. 



MLmi^rr^m^ ^^ ***&*■* 



NAVAL FAME. 177 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrase.-. 

Service — Any thing- passed round a rope to preserve it, 
as matting, &c. bound round the cable at the 
hawsehole, to prevent it from chafing'. 

Settee — A vessel of two or three masts, peculiar to the 
Mediterranean. 

Shake out — To let out the reefs, and enlarge the sails. 

Ship — To take any thing on board — to fix any thing 
in its place — Shipping a sea — a wave breaking 
over the ship in a storm. 

Sheets — The leeward corners of the square sails, and 
the loose or lower corners of the fore and aft sails. 

Shrouds — Strong ropes, extending from the chains or 
platforms on each side the ship, to the heads of 
the lower masts ; and from the Tops to the topmast 
heads; to support and enable them to carry 
sail ; forming ladders by which the men ascend. 

Signals — Each Man of War is provided with private 
signals, to know friends from enemies ; and each 
has a code of signals by which orders are commu- 
nicated. Certain flags being fixed upon to denote 
the numerals, any number is made by hoisting 
those flags over each other ; on reference to the 
signal book, the number hoisted shews the order 
to be obeyed. So, in like manner, certain flags 
denote letters or short words, by which a tele- 
graphic communication may be carried on at a 
considerable distance. Night signals are describ- 
ed by rockets, blue lights, lanterns, &c. &c. 

Spanker — A large fore and aft sail set over the stern. 

o 



178 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Spoke — Of the wheel. 

Starboard — The right hand side. 

Stays — Strong ropes leading forward from each mast 
head to secure them, when the sails are taken or 
laid aback — " The Brig's in Stays." In the act of 
Tacking or Turning to windward. 

Stem — The timber which projects from the bows and 
cuts through the water. 

Stunsails — Supernumerary sails, of light canvass, set 
at the extremities of the yards in fine weather 
when sailing free, or before the wind, also called 
Scudding-sails, and Steering-sails. 

Stunsail booms — Light booms at the yard arms for 
setting the stunsails. 

Swab — Bundles of old rope untwisted, to dry the 
decks with — A clumsy servant. 

Swifter — A line passed round the outer ends of the 
Capstan bars, to strengthen them. 

Tack — In beating or turning to windward — to manoeu- 
vre the ship so that her head shall turn against 
the wind, and pass the point from which it blows ; 
so as to bring the wind upon the other side of the 
vessel, and enable her to near any point or object 
upon that tack or side. Also termed — To go 
about. — Vide page 73. 

Tackles — Ropes and pullies pendent from the yards, 
to hoist any thing up or on board by. 

Tacks — The weather corners of the square sails. 

Taunt-rigged — Lofty, rigged for fast sailing. 



m-&»£M*i#M^!*a^*+ *m&-* 



NAVAL FAME. 179 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Taught— Tight. 

Tiers — A space on each side of the Orlop or fourth 

deck, where the cables are coil'd away, or stowed. 

The men stationed to this duty, are called Tierers. 

Tiller — A strong beam or lever, placed horizontally 
in the after gunroom ; one end being fixed in the 
rudder head, outside of the stern ; the other end 
traverses on a circular sweep ; the tiller ropes are 
made fast to this end on each side, and are led up 
to the wheel on deck, by which the ship is steered. 

Timbers — Strong pieces of timber in the ship's bottom. 

Tops — Platforms at the heads of the lower masts, 
which extend the Top-mast shrouds, and where 
men are stationed on several duties, termed Fore, 
Main, and Mizzen Topmen. 

Top — To hoist, or raise up. 

Trice — To raise up by a pully or tackle. 

Trim — Neat, clean, regular.— To trim the Sails— is to 
brace the yards in such a position, that the sails 
may receive the full advantage of the wind. 

Trip— This term is particularly applied to the anchor. 

" The Anchor Trips and from the mud does rise." 

Vide page 50. 

Truck — A round block at the highest point of each 
mast, to which the Haulyards are rove for hoisting 
the signals. 

Trysail— A small sail set at the stern in a storm, 
instead of the Spanker. 

Underweigh — Not at anchor — undersail. 



180 NAVAL FAME. 

Index of Nautical Terms and Phrases. 

Unmoored — Having one anchor weighed^-at single 
anchor. 

Unship — To displace. 

Variation — The angle or space of the compass, 
between the true, and magnetic, or apparent 
points. 

Veer — To turn or change. 

Watch — A division of the crew. The crew is generally 
divided in three watches, called the Starboard, 
Larboard, and Third Watches, which relieve each 
other on deck every four hours. 

Waste — The middle or open part of the Main Deck. 

Wear — To manoeuvre the ship so as to turn from the 
wind, and by veering round to leeward, to bring 
her upon the other Tack ; this is often done in a 
storm, head sea, or light wind, when the ship will 
not Tack, or turn to windward. 

Weigh — To heave up the anchor. 

Wheel— Vide Helm. 

Windward— Weather side— That on which the wind 

blows. 
Yards — The Booms which hang across each mast, to 

extend the square sails. They are very strong in 

the middle, and tapered to the extremities called 

the Yard-arms. 
Yaw— To steer unsteadily, to deviate from the direct 

course. 



Printed by E. Foden, Jury Street, Warwick. 



THE MUMBLE PETITION 

OF THE AUTHOR 
OF 

NAVAL F A M E, 

TO 
HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY 

GEORGE the FOURTH. 



Prince of victorious Avar! and well earn'd peace, 
Whose perseverance bade our dangers cease! 
Hail gracious King! on Britain's good intent, 
Oh! give thy well known gen'rous feelings vent! 

In Hope's free breeze, whence fairer prospects spring-, 
A nautic Author prays a naval King- 
To condescend his Journal to peruse, 
And make allowance for his humble muse. 

Of yeoman lineage, of midland birth, 
And duly train'd to cultivate the earth ; 
Taught from his cradle through the days of youth 
To love his King in loyalty and truth. 






T:v«7^|EKa M KT-1 J ■ y-T 1 1 r 



2 THE AUTHOR'S PETITION, 

Thy humble servant early caught the fire 

And zealous ardour of his worthy sire ; 

Who more than half a century did lend 

King, Church, and State, the labours of a friend j 

A man unknown to history or fame, 

Whose high ambition was — a useful aim. 

Thus far his days of youth — but now war came, 
The trumpet blew, thy servant caught the flame ; 
Nine years of service through the busy scenes 
Of warfare past, Lieutenant of Marines, 
By sea and land, the motto of his corps, 
Where duty call'd an active part he bore; 
For fate prepar'd, when call'd upon to fight, 
The Idler's time he gave to think and write. 

When Statesmen bade the din of war to cease, 
A hollow truce, a respite, call'd a Peace ; 
With Egypt's conqueror and Erin's Lord, 
The will of fate did ample means afibrd, 
Cicilia's isle and fam'd Italia's shore 
With what was Avorth and worthless to explore ; 
Took him to court, and bade him understand 
Of men and manners in a foreign land. 

And having written what he saw and felt, 
Abroad, at home, on shipboard, where he dwelt; 
Return'd in peace, and when his sails were furl'd, 
He gave his humble " Gleanings" to the world; 
What he had seen, in justice to report, 
And thus, by contrast, British laws support. 



- ' ■ ■'■ 



THE AUTHORS PETITION; 3 

Again the trumpet blew; thy servant heard, 
And open war to faithless truce preferred. 
Again chance cast him on Italia's shore, 
Her tideless seas in warfare to explore; 
Again with try'd associates he came, 
In Frigate bold, Melpomene her name ; 
Prophetic name ! yet why should man repine, 
A soldier must not, but to fate resign. 

What though thy humble servant cannot say 
He shar'd the glories of Trafalgar's day, 
Or general actions, when the future state 
Of nations hung* upon the battle's fate ; 
Where honour call'd he stood a Volunteer, 
And often felt the love of Country cheer, 
When well try'd crews, in boats, were sent to board 
The adverse vessels in their harbour moor'd. 

Full many a time when silent night hung- round, 
With muffled oars, whose dip scarce gave a sound, 
Past anxious hours of listen and look out, 
Then dash'd upon thy foes, and brought them out. 

Pardon, oh ! Sire ! the muse will but detain, 
To fight one hard fought battle o'er again. 

While Maida's plains and rude Calabria's coast 
Saw British soldiers rout the Tyrant's host; 
On Genoa's shore was seen our well man'd Barge, 
An arm'd Settee pursuing, sailing* large ; 
A single Boat, the others sent away, 
With prizes captur'd ere the break of day. 



4 THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

Half topsails under lay our ship, becatm'd, 
And distance thus all hope of aid disarm'd : 
Nor was it sought, brave Thompson led the crew, 
Of courage try'd, a trusty, chosen few. 
With steady stroke the bending- oars they row r 
To close the chase and grapple with the foe. 
But ere we could the well arai'd vessel gain, 
Our leader brave and seven men were slain ; 
While more by deep disabling wounds had bled, 
Leaving, amidst the dying and the dead, 
Thy wounded Servant with five hands to board 
And purchase conquest by the British sword ; 
God gave success: long may their prowess shine 
When England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, combine! 

And now the captives well secur'd below, 
The barge's loss thy servant fain would know. 
Stretch'd on the seat he saw his valued friend 
In death, which only could their friendship end; 
No more his failings could remembrance find, 
His virtues only prest upon the mind ; 
Pale was the face unto the view expos'd, 
Wide gap'd the wound, nor were the eyelids clos'd : 
Awhile he stood to gaze, with half drawn breath,. 
Their souls still seem'd to commune, e'en in death j 
And as he spread the colours o'er the dead, 
(Supporting which they nobly fought and bled,) 
A friendly tear bedew'd the lifeless cheek, 
Jtnd thus, in anguish, did his feelings speak: 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. £ 

/* Thou dear departed spirit of my friend ! 
* To regions flown where life shall never end, 
" May thy example still inspire my heart, 
44 That I, like thee, may well perform my part ! ,? 

But why thus court a gracious Monarch's tear 
O'er friendship past, the brave's untimely bier? 

Because that Monarch hath the will and powV 
To heal the sting- of disappointment's hour ; 
To give the heart with manly pride to glow 
That this their Country should their conduct know; 
To let due praise give honour to the dead, 
And bid the mourner raise the drooping head. 
For though Sir Sidney prais'd the remnant ranks, 
And Peter Parker gave them public thanks; 
Reasons of state, a soldier must not guess, 
Led higher pow'rs their letters to suppress; 
Silent gazettes dampt patriotic zeal, 
And render'd vain the Victors' just appeal.^ 



* This affair took place on the day of the battle of Maida, and 
drew forth the marked attention of the Admiral on the station, Sir 
Sidney Smith ; who said it was one of the most successful dashes he 
ever knew. 

Friendship will probably be pardoned for embracing this opportu- 
nity of paying- a merited tribute to departed worth ; by affirming 1 , that 
amongst the many brave men who thus lost their lives in the honour- 
able pursuit of promotion, there was not a more able or meritorious 
Officer than Lieutenant William Thompson: (Madden of the Naval 
Fame.) 

It is singular, that Lieutenant Thompson and most of the men 
,kiiled and desperately wounded, were Irish : of the gix individuals 



%/^liHR,^^nBJ^« ar ... 



6 THE AUTHOR'S PETITION, 

No more of war; thy servant was disarm 'd, 
And long was friendship for his life alarm'd 5 
On Malta's rock for thirteen weeks he lay, 
To raging fever of the elime a prey; 
With constitution injur d by the past, 
And nerveless arm, no more to grapple fast, 
Condemn'd by survey, and return'd in store, 
To serve his Country by the sword no more; 
An invalid, upon the Halt pay list, 
Resolv'd by pen and headpiece to assist 
King, Church, and State, and equitable laws, 
The great, the humble, and their mutual cause. 

Laid on the shelf, but wishing still to serve 
His Country's cause, her favours to deserve; 
With solid feet of manuscript in store, 
Written at sea, or on a foreign shore; 



who alone were able to board, out of twenty-two, the Master's 
Mate, Mr. Whitwell Butler, was Irish ; Lieutenant Gascoigne, English ; 
Sergeant Milligan, Scotch ; one Seaman, Welsh ; and two Irish. 

Sergeant Milligan having particularly distinguished himself in this 
affair, Lieutenant Gascoigne, addressed a recommendatory letter to 
the Commanding Officer of the Chatham Division, countersigned by 
Sir Sidney Smith and Captain Parker; which was read at the head of 
the Division, inserted in the Public Records, and transmitted to the 
Patriotic Fund at Lloyd's. This letter being' deemed an official 
communication by the Committee, the sum of Forty Guineas was voted 
to Sergeant Milligan; but as the official letters of Sir Sidney Smith and, 
Captain Parker were not published by the Admiralty, the Committee 
were prevented by their regulations from presenting to the Officers 
and men who survived, those honorary rewards ; and to the relatives of 
the dead, those consolatory testimonials, which were voted on similar 
occasions. This affair is recorded in the Naval Chronicle ; the Life 
of Sir Peter Parker 5 and the Percy Anecdotes. 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 7 

Trom whence he took a fav'rite work — The Cruise, 
Resolving' now no further time to lose, 
But to the world his Nautic Poem give, 
And bid the path to Naval Honours live. 
For friends on shore, and officers at sea, 
Who freely might the manuscript all see, 
Highly approv'd, and many copies took, 
Urging the early printing of the book. 

But when, in Town, his manuscript he bore 
To Paternoster, where he'd been before, 
With deep dismay, which words cannot express, 
He found a pirate's Cruise just from the press. 

Oblig'd to give his work another name, 
He hastily entitled it " The Fame." 
Being induc'd, by haste to get to press, 
Scenes to omit, to curtail and suppress 
Nautic descriptions: though they were admir'd 
By those who skill and knowledge had acquir'd. 

At length he saw his " Gleanings," and his " Fame," 
Before the world, to purchase him a name; 
Good hundreds paid for publishing— what then? 
He never saw a single pound again. 

The books were sold, indeed the books sold well, 
But who kept count or cash no one could tell; 
The Firm dissolv'd, his Bookseller was dead, 
With whom all chance of settlement had fled. 

Again plain nature and a rural life 
His health restor'd; he took a prudent wife: 






8 THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

His faithful Emma— (vide " Naval Fame," 
Exchanging Herbert for Evander's name.) 

Four hundred acres, on a fertile spot, 
To manage well mark'd out his active lot; 
Nor did he want success; his stores increas'd. 
In corn superior and in well fed beast; 
Hope lay before him, and the flowing tide, 
That time would for his family provide; 
And as each harvest gave this increase birth. 
Again he sunk it in the grateful earth. 

Nor was his mind on gain alone intent, 
But divers causes g-ave the feelings vent. 
And first he learn'd to bend unto that Pow'r 
Of gracious Goodness in creation's hour; 
Who, of His own Omniscience, did foresee 
That man would fall and be no longer free ; 
And while strict Justice did the task ordain 
That man should earn his bread by sweat and pain ; 
Transcendent Mercy his frail body made 
To suit the labour, gave a mind to aid, 
And did decree that labour to produce 
Food, health, contentment, and all things for use. 

Still as he labour'd in this humble course, 
Of much employment to the poor the source, 
He ever found, when these were duly paid, 
They earn'd their bread, despising parish aid; 
And by long converse with the lab 'ring poor ? 
He mark'd the cause of evils, and the cure. 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 9 

Peace came, with good and evil in her train, 
Sure grounds of future good, but present pain; 
Great was the change, and direful the event 
To those on culture of our soil intent; 
Who, like thy servant, labour'd to produce 
Increase of produce for the public use. 

Kis land his bank; now bankrupt and forlorn. 
By sudden influx of the foreign corn; 
What cost him eighty shillings to produce, 
Was sold at fifty, for the public use ; 
Rent, tithe, and tax, by capital were paid, 
Nor yet by profit were the poors rates made; 
Vain were his hopes to strive against the tide, 
And by economy at anchor ride; 
With g-rief of heart improvements to suspend, 
And cease the poor and poor's rates to befriend; 
To see an honest peasantry give place 
To a degraded and a pauper race. 

Hard was his lot; yet why should man repine, 
Thy servant will not, but on hope recline; 
Bearing in mind, that though his loss was great, 
His labours tend to benefit the State; 
That England's real wealth is yearly swelPd 
By four fold produce from the land he held. 

Bereft of pow'r to give his labours scope, 
Bereft of capital, and all but hope; 
A public Agent now in Town he wrought, 
And sold experience ^ain'd to those who sonsrht. 



rv'tm wx^sj 



I K?%^-'ir«i 



W THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

The chance of profit was against the stake, 

Few bought or sold, none would improvements make 5 

Leaving his active mind at leisure quite 

To mark the ways of Town, to think and write. 

Twelve minor works he wrote and published too, 
In hope that these some partial good might do 
In times distressing, which they could not cure, 
But did promote employment for the poor. 

And now again he felt his native fire, 
Which mov'd the son to imitate the sire; 
So round the great metropolis he went, 
On gaining knowledge of the Poor, intent. 

With care he mark'd the Beggars' fawning ways, 
And bold demand, which fear too soon obeys : 
Oft saw him squander, and but rarely save, 
What misled charity and weakness gave; 
And having duly rang'd this class — the few, 
Who beg because they have not work to do; 
The many — worthless, full of vice and sloth, 
Designed Employment as a cure for both. 

And now he gave his " Hints " to this great Town,*& 
Hoping a due attention to call down, 
From those who could this grievous ill suppress, 
The worthless punish-^-real wants redress; 



* Two thousand copies of" Employment the Antidote to Distress,*' 
va&" The Old Views of Society Revived," were distributed at Mr. 
pwen T s first meeting-, at the City of London Tavern ; and two thousand 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 11 

And saw with joy Societies arise, 

And learn'd the pleasure of success to prize. 

Thus far encouraged in the course he ran, 
He would the cause of Pauperism scan; 
Seeking- the Monster's guileful arts to know, 
And firmly grapple with his Country's foe. 

He found the willing Guardians of the poor, 
With choice of evils only — not the Cure ; 
And griev'd to see them labour without gain 
Through years of toil, anxiety, and pain. 
Nature neglected, like the heath and moor, 
Pains duly ta'en to congregate the poor 
In stately buildings, in the crowded town, 
Where vice prevails, and discontent doth frown : 
The parish Workhouse; where no work is done. 
Save weaving cobwebs with the passing sun; 
Or if perform'd, this evil must ensue, 
The self-supporting poor have less to do. 

Nor was this all; from want of room to class, 
He found, and often found, in one rude mass, 
The vile and worthless, men but in the name, 
And women lost to every sense of shame; 
With whom the worthy were compell'd to live, 
Youth of both sexes lessons to receive; 



copies of" Suggestions for the Employment of the Poor of the 
Metropolis, with Hints on Mendicity" and *'■ Pauperism ; Its Evils 
^ id Burdens Reduced;" were afterwards distributed to promote the 
formation of that useful Institution in Red Liou Square, the Society 
for the Suppression of Mendicity, 



*v$m wx^sj 



■ W! 



12 THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

Another race of paupers there to breed. 

Or run their course, and then the gallows feed* 

And now he ranged where Charity presides,. 
And Education for the poor provides, 
Surpris'd he saw how quick they learn'd to read, 
To write and cipher, and repeat their creed, 
And found all good, as far as learning- went ; 
But still on causes and effects intent, 
Ventur'd to ask the great and able Boys, 
What work or trade their leisure hour employs? 
With vacant stare and silly grin they say, 
46 When not in school, we runs about and play.'* 
What will you be?— quick cry'd an Irish spark, 
** An plase your Honor ! I will be a Clerk J 9 
Clerks, Lawyers, Preachers ; but none chose the Hod, 
Or sought the station given them by God. 

With pain he saw the worthy Chaplain stand, 
Willing to teach, but no employ at hand ; 
And heard the best of City -men declare 
Their sense of evil, and their anxious care 
To give the means a livelihood to earn, 
Before tfiey bade them to the world return j 
And saw the parents ready to kneel down, 
To save their children from the streets of Town. 

Griev'd in his soul to see his fellows thus 
CompelPd to swell the ranks of England's curse j 
He vow'd, by George, a remedy to find, 
And with attention to the case design'd 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 13 

Schools of Employment for these pauper boys, 
Whose future worth, the want of work destroys* 

Of other labours here the muse might sing, 
Design'd in hope to serve a gracious King: 
And well approved ; but how can language show 
Thy servant's feelings when he came to know, 
That thou, oh ! Sire ! his King, his Country's hope, 
Hadst deign'd to give thy well form'd judgment scope! 
Survey'd the plan, thy patronage declar'd, 
And that the cause thy bounty too had shar'd.^ 

Thousands appro v'd, the heads of Church and Stale, 
And now thy servant was with hope elate. 
But suddenly cast down, he felt and fell, 
By whom, or why, his pen must never tell, 
And saw his labours in another's hand, 
Call'd forth to execute what he had plann'd: 
Lost were his hopes, and facts have clearly shown, 
The Author's name was hidden from the Throne. 

Oh! let not here a Monarch's anger live, 
And if thou know'st the man, oh! Sire? forgive! 
Still to the cause thy Royal will incline, 
*' To err is human — to forgrire divine." 



* In the year 1818, at a public meeting at the Mansion House, the 
Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, and His Grace~the Arch- 
bishop cf Canterbury, made known that His Majesty had most 
graciously commanded them to declare His Majesty Patron of the 
Design of converting the Prison of War at Dartmoor into a School of 
Employment for the Orphan and Pauper Boys of the Metropolis; 
vith a Subscription of One Thousand Pounds* 



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U THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

Ranging again where charily presides, 
And many remedies for want provides ; 
Countless in number, as the year past round, 
Clubs, Charities, Societies he found: 
Each would a portion of our evils keep, 
As though the Government were fast asleep ; 
On curing ills, when come, the whole intent, 
But none have power the mischief to prevent; 
Though each, and all, a partial good may do, 
They have their errors and their evils too; 
And though they lighten ills which men endure, 
One grievous ill remains — a pauper 'd Poor. 

Thus all he saw but taught him to suspect 
The cure must rest with those who should direct. 
That King and Council can alone provide 
Efficient means to stay the recreant tide ; 
To aid the poor, the people, and the State, 
And make Great Britain permanently great. 

Pardon ! oh ! Sire ! the wishes of thine heart 
Would fain the bliss of charity impart; 
Bid the fond hopes of patriotism live, 
And lasting blessings to thy people give: 
And Truth herself is fain this cause to plead, 
Not want of ways and means — but proper lead : 
On general plans to found this work of peace, 
And bid all fears of local interests cease. 

These were the thoughts a worthy Sire express'd, 
Who taught the son upon this theme to rest; 



THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 15 

Nor must the aid which his experience gave 
Descend with his grey honours to the grave. 
No! gracious Sire! — be this my future task, 
Oh! grant me aid! for which I humbly ask, 
To follow what my Father first began * 
And still proceed on his well founded plan ; 
To make true Theory and Experience meet, 
And lay their produce at my Sovereign's feet! 

For fifteen seasons, though inquired for oft, 
The Author's " Fame," lay buried in the loft ; 
With remnant " Gleanings ," what of these remaiii'd, 
Some fifty copies, by good luck he gain'd; 
A stock in trade — and oh ! the daring thought, 
With danger from the pens of critics fraught, 
Pleas'd that his works were rescu'd from the shelf 
He boldly dar'd to sell them for himself; 
Nor lack'd success: though little known by name, 
He soon sold off the copies of his " Fame," 
And " Gleanings" too; with an increas'd demand 
For new editions of his Works at hand. 

Where Warwick Castle rears its ancient tow'rs, 
And proudly laughs at Time's destroying pow'rs ; 
For deeds of war and valour long rever'd, 
And now by peace and private worth endear'd; 
By the road side to Leamington, (where pleads 
Fair rosy Health, and highest fashion leads;) 
Stands Emma's Cottage and The Authors Stall, 
By many honor'd, open unto all, 



L**sa 



IS THE AUTHOR'S PETITION. 

Where, in the noontide of life's passing day, 

Herbert and Emma due attention pay, 

With fifteen Works upon the table lain, 

" Gleanings through Life," the produce of his brain., 

With themes in store, and still an active mind 

To serve his King and Country well inclin'd; 

Hoping, in time, to purchase a good name, 

And leave his Children annals of his Fame : 

— Oh! gracious Sire! let hope in verse prevail 

And aid their labours with a Patron's gale! 

Long years of service hath thy servant known 
And due submission to past trials shewn; 
Most humbly praying* aid of thee, oh ! Sire ! 
To give him strength and animate his lyre, 
Again the humble Author would present 
His duty, service, all that Heav'n hath lent; 
Long hath he serv'd, with zeal which will not swerve, 
And all he asketh is— the pow'r to serve. 

Which should your Majesty be pleas'd to give, 
And bid thy servant's active service live; 
While blest with peace, he'll (July plan and write, 
Or, if war calls, again will join the fight; 
And as in duty bound sincerely pray 
That thou, oh ! Sire ! mayst live to see the day, 
When all the nations of the earth shall own 
The perseverance which by thee was shewn; 
And all thy subjects with true hearts shall sing 
"Long live Great George! our patriotic King!" 



A PROSPECTUS OF 

GASCOIGNE'S WORKS, 

Published, Recited, and Sold 

BY THE AUTHOR, 

at emma's cottage, Warwick. 

(On the Emscote Road to Learning-ton,) 

And wheresoever Hope may lead him. 



To lead, amuse, and yet improve the mind, 
The Author's labours still must be inclin'd; 
Writing from life, with caution and due care, 
Though sailors will — yet books should never swear. 



GLEANINGS FROM LIFE, 

BY 

SIMON SYMPATHY. 
THE SECOND EDITION, 

With a Frontispiece and descriptive Engravings. 
Miscellaneous Pieces in Prose and Verse, founded on 
real Occurrences at Home and Abroad; containing 
numerous specimens of various styles of writing by the 
same Author. — Extra Boards, Price 10s. 

" Alas ! poor Madden and poor Monaca ! " 

Exclaimed Simon Sympathy, as he lay down in his cot, 

" The fetters of the heart are soon entwin'd, 
" But to unfold them, many a pang requires." 



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This was not the first time Simon had brought 
similar reflections to his pillow; but after reviewing 
what he had marked at the Prince's Ball, he found 
that he had one grand point to determine. 

Whether a woman could fall in love at first sight. 

That what had passed was the effect of love, had 

been declared by all before he left the Room. — It 
was certainly the effect of strong feelings, but might 
not amount to love— What is Love ? 

Vide — The Prince's Ball at Messina. 



• < " Why, cruel Fate ! dost thou separate us, if 
Love unites us? — And thou, perfidious Love! why 
dost thou unite us, if Fate forbids the union?" 

Simon looked through the bushes towards the spot 
from whence the voice came, and saw his friend 
Madden standing in a thoughtful posture — 

" It must be so * — she never can be mine ! " 

The body leaned forward and the head inclined;-— 
the left hand gently rose and uncovered it — 

« Thy will be done ! " 

The humility of the attitude sufficiently declared 
this to be addressed to Him who never faileth to hear 
that which cometh from the heart ; Simon's beat high 
within him, and he would gladly have pressed 
through the bushes to have shared with his friend 
these moments — but they were moments with which 
man meets but few, — very few during his journey, — 
and even Sympathy would have been an intruder. 

« — Oh Resignation! thine is the victory, and thine 
the triumph — He who possesseth thee, relieth on 
Immutability ; — but he who hath thee not — is like the 
giddy vane upon the steeple's point, which every blast 
will play upon." 



3 



A hope is entertained that this work trill be 
found worthy of perusal by the Ladies. Although 
many of the chapters were written on board of 
ship, in early life, and many of the errors and evils 
of the world are held up, as beacons to warn from 
danger, the rules of propriety have not been violated- 



GASCOIGNE S 
PATH TO NAVAL FAME, 

AND 

GLEANINGS FROM LIFE, 

Delivered to Subscribers, or Orders by Post, 
at One Pound. 

SYMPATHY IN SEARCH 

or 

PEACE AT HOME. 

A Novel of a novel kind — a Tale of the Times — 
at which every one is invited to laugh, but no one 
obliged to cry. 

" Whoe'er thou art, learn this great maxim first, 
" Good deeds are blessed, and all evil curst." 

CONTENTS, 

A Hobby-horse introduced — A Sceue at Gravesend — Conversation 
onboard a passage-boat-Self-interest defined — The existence of pure 
Philanthropy doubted^ proved by scenes founded on Nature— No 






distinction between Black and White — Abolition of the Slate Trade, 
by England — Sailors adrift without a Purser— Mendicity Society-., 
The heart of a Tar laid open--«-Coveteousuess no breach of the 
Commandment — An Author's Story — Authors and Booksellers— 
A Farmer's Story — The State of British Agriculture exemplified 
—A Sailor's Ideas of Kings and Queens : Remarks thereon — Remarks 
on the present state of Society in England — The nature and real cause 
of Pauperism defined ; with Designs for promoting the Relief of the 
Poor from the Evils, the Public from the Burden, and the Nation from 
the Dangers of that destructive Monster — A Female's Story— Hope, and 
despair not. — Suicide prevented — Thoughts on Suicide— A Puzzle— A 
Sailor in Love : his Description of its Effects— Love in Suspense—* 
Love in a Bustle — Contrition rewarded — A Sailor's Ideas of Duty — 
The progress and fate of Discontent, Atheism, and Ambition — False 
Liberty and true Freedom — The Excellence of the British Constitution, 
proved by Republican Experience — Resignation the Parent of Peace 
at Home— The Triumph of the gentle Persuasion of Christian Charity. 



-" Your conjectures are right" — replied the Far- 



mer, " I have had great dealings with the Poor, and 
found them kind and grateful for the due payment of 
their labour. — I have traded with the world, and been 
jostled in the scramble— yet there is no duty unper- 
formed, no act of kindness received— Nay ! — not even a 
look of comfort and consolation, that is not marked for 
repayment when the day of ability cometh.— But for 
the slights and frownings of the world, they were not 
worth the keeping; so I gave them to the winds 
which blew the tempest over." 

Extra Boards, Price, 5s. 



5 

SUGGESTIONS 



FOR THE 



EMPLOYMENT OF THE POOR, 

WITH 

HINTS ON MENDICITY. 

Price Is. 6d, 

Two Thousand Copies of this Work were gratuitously 
distributed to promote the formation of the Society for 
the Suppression of Mendicity, established in Red Lion 
Square, March 25th, 1818. 



EMPLOYMENT 

THE 

ANTIDOTE TO DISTRESS. 

Price Is. 6d. 

PAUPERISM; 

ITS EVILS AND BURDEN REDUCED, 

By calling into action the labours and better feelings 
of the Poor, and by the useful direction of Charity; 
containing the substance of an Essay on the Means 



Y$m WfmVBHL*^fl "" " ~ mmZF~v*<m mm*™ urare , 



of Employing the Labouring Poor ; to which a 
Premium was awarded by the Honourable Board of 
Agriculture; dedicated, by permission, to his Royal 
Highness the Duke of York, as Patron of the Society 
for the Suppression of Mendicity. — Price 2s, 

THE OLD VIEWS 
OF SOCIETY REVIVED. 

Two Thousand Copies were gratuitously distributed, 
at Mr. Owen's first meeting, at the City of London 
Tavern, when his New Views of Society were first 
explained. — -Price Is. 6d, 

DESIGNS 

FOR PROMOTING PEACE AT HOME. 

Price \s. 6d, 

A PAGE 

FOR THE FUTURE HISTORIAN, 

WITH THE 

AUTHOR'S POETIC PETITION 
TO HIS MAJESTY, 

Containing an Account of the Author's Life, 
Price 2s, 6d, 



7 

THE SPIRIT OF ADDISON, 

A POEM.— Price Is. Crf. 

NOW COMPOSING, 

SYMPATHY 
IN SEARCH OF UTILITY, 

ALSO 

AN EPIC POEM UPON 
NOTHING. 

" Oh ! tis a theme too mighty for the grasp 
" Of man on this side immortality ; 
" For, oat of nothing, did Omnipotence 
" Create what was, what is, or time shall bring 
u To serve his holy will aud purposes!" 



" Though twenty years in hope IVe persever'd, 
" And many labours have in print appeared ; 
" The payments mine — as yet, rest ail the gains 
" With those who found blank paper for my brains." 

Vide — The Author's Apology, for coming for- 
ward to Publish, Recite, and Sell his own Produc- 
tions, to he had of the Author gratis. 



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